Tsuki No Katsura 'Iwai' Nigori Junmai Daiginjo

The Story

Nigori like you've never had it before. Tsuki no Katsura's Iwai Junmai Daiginjo Nigori is an exceptionally luxurious take on cloudy sake, polished to daiginjo levels (50%), made with pesticide-free Iwai rice grown locally in Fushimi, Kyoto, and bottled unpasteurized with a lively natural effervescence. It's remarkably fresh, sharp, and elegant. The creamy rice sediment add richness and texture, while fine sparkling bubbles lift the whole thing into something celebratory. The brewery calls it a "sparkling rice sake," and that's exactly what it is.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Fresh with a soft, creamy rice character.

Palate: Rich and sweet with the lush texture of nigori, but balanced by a fresh, sharp edge. Fine, lightly sparkling bubbles break through the creamy mouthfeel, keeping it lively and refreshing.

Finish: Clean and effervescent, with subtle yet lingering sweetness.

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: Well chilled (unpasteurized, so keep it cold!)

Food Pairings: The effervescence and sweetness make this a great match for spicy food, fried appetizers, or rich, creamy dishes. It's also fantastic on its own as a celebratory bubbly pour!

Why We Love It

We love this bottle because it comes from the brewery that literally invented sparkling nigori. In 1964, the 13th generation of Masuda Tokubee Shoten created Japan's first sparkling cloudy sake, and they've been perfecting the style ever since. This junmai daiginjo version is the pinnacle of that legacy: luxurious, refined, and genuinely unique. If you've ever been turned off by nigori because you've considered it too heavy or too sweet, this bottle might just change your mind.

Specs

About the Brewery: Masuda Tokubee Shoten (Tsuki no Katsura)
Founded in 1675 in Fushimi, Kyoto, Masuda Tokubee Shoten is a brewery with a serious claim to fame: in 1964, the 13th generation invented Japan's first sparkling nigori-zake, creating an entirely new category of sake. The following year, they began aging junmai daiginjo in porcelain jars for long-term maturation, pioneering yet another style. The brewery continues to honor tradition while pushing boundaries; reviving locally grown Kyoto sake rice varieties, developing lower-alcohol options, and blending centuries of craft with modern sensibilities. Their brand name, Tsuki no Katsura ("Moon Laurel"), reflects the elegance and refinement they bring to everything they make.