Senkin 'Classic'

The Story

Senkin Classic is a sake that looks to the past to move forward. The "Classic" in the name refers to the brewery's commitment to Edo-era brewing techniques: a traditional kimoto starter, no added yeast (relying instead on the native yeast that has lived in the Senkin brewery for over 200 years), and historical heirloom Kamenoo rice that has been carefully restored to its original genetic form. The result is something that feels both ancient and completely alive; bright, juicy, and loaded with a distinctive acidity that sets Senkin apart.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Ripe banana with a lively, fruity intensity characteristic of the brewery's native yeast.

Palate: Juicy and bright, with a distinctive acid forward profile formed by the interplay of lactic and malic acid. There's a natural sweetness here, but it's balanced by a zippy, (almost) wine-like tartness.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with lingering fruit

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: Chilled

Food Pairings: The bright acidity makes it incredibly versatile. Try it with white fish escabeche, seafood salad, basil spaghetti, or anything with a little vinegar or citrus. It also loves creamy dishes with uni!

Why We Love It

We love this bottle because it tastes like nothing else on the shelf. Senkin has built a cult following by doing things their own way; with higher acidity, a touch of residual sweetness, and a philosophy of "do nothing unnecessary." It's sake that feels closer to natural wine than to the clean, polished sake many are most familiar with. If you're looking to expand your palate, this is a great place to start.

Specs

About the Brewery: Senkin Shuzo
Founded in 1806 during the Edo period, Senkin is now run by 11th-generation brothers Kazuki and Masato Usui, who work together as brewer and toji. The brewery operates like a domaine or estate winery: all of their rice is contract-farmed within five minutes of the brewery using the same water source that feeds their brewing wells. Their motto is "do nothing unnecessary," which means all of their sake are brewed in small batches and are muroka (unfiltered), genshu (undiluted), and nama (unpasteurized), then bottle-aged at near-freezing temperatures. The name Senkin means "a crane serving a hermit," and the brewery has become known for sakes that are brighter, juicier, and more acidic than the norm, a style that has earned them a devoted following among drinkers looking for something different.