Tasting and Pairing
This honjozo features a mild banana-like aroma and a crisp sharpness. It offers a more developed flavor profile than Atago no Matsu Honjozo, designed to cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of subsequent dishes.
Food Pairing
Seasonal sashimi and char-grilled seafood, boiled green soybeans, wakatake mushroom stew, grilled chicken (salt), etc.
Best served at
Cold sake at around 10°C; Heated sake at around 40°C
Best served in
Ceramic or porcelain flat sake cups
Specifications
Alcohol
16
%
Polishing Ratio
60
%
Rice
Yamadanishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Water
Water from the Zao mountain range
Retail Price
¥1,0400 (720ml), ¥2,000 (1800ml)
Prizes & Awards
IWC 2022 Honjozo Trophy & Great Value Champion Sake
The Brewery
Founded in 1873, the brewery aimed to create "the ultimate meal-time sake" that complements cuisine. It's based in southern Osaki Plain, Miyagi, known for Sasanishiki and Hitomebore rice. In 2000, with 90% of its production being basic sake ("Futsushu"), it struggled financially. The 5th generation owner, Niizawa, returned to prevent its closure and initiated a turnaround. In 2002, he rebuilt the brewery and launched "Hakurakusei," a sharp, low-sweetness "food sake" that became popular nationwide. After the 2011 earthquake, they relocated and rebuilt in Shibata, driven by resilience and teamwork. The brewery continues to evolve and innovate.
Brewery Name
Niizawa Brewery
Founded
1873
Generation
5th
Location
Kitamachi-63 Sanbongi, Ōsaki, Miyagi 989-6321
Brewmaster
Nanami Watanabe
President
Iwao Niizawa
