Hakutsure Sake

What is the Story Behind Hakutsuru Sake?

Founded in 1743, the Hakutsuru company has been making great-tasting sake beloved by connoisseurs in both Japan and the wider world. Over its 275-year history, the brand has pioneered improvements and innovations in the sake distilling process while also overcoming the greatest adversities Japan has faced over the generations.

Today, Hakutsuru is one of the nation’s biggest sake producers and is a leading exporter of this traditional beverage, delivering its exceptional product range to 55 countries and regions.

What Makes Hakutsuru Sake Great?

Hakutsure owes its exceptional quality to its equally exceptional location in Nada, Kobe. The region boasts the following attributes that make it the perfect place to craft best-selling sake:

• Great rice: Hakutsuru took the already great “Yamada Nishiki” sake rice strain and crossbred it with the “Tankan-Wataribune” strain to produce its exclusive in-house breed: the “Hakutsuru Nishiki”. This strain produces large, strong grains that can withstand hours of polishing while also imparting a hint of sweetness and a delicate fullness to the sake.
• Special water: Hakutsuru’s best sake contains freshwater collected from the Nada Spring. This natural wonder gets its mineral-rich water from rain percolating through the Rokkō mountains. The water’s hard properties make it perfectly suited for brewing and help the yeast vigorously ferment and create more flavoursome sake.
• Cold winds: The naturally cool breeze blowing down from the Rokkō mountains creates a cold climate perfect for efficiently cooling the hot steamed rice during sake production.
• Toji culture: Great sake requires great brewers, and Nada has produced some of the finest toji – the master brewer who leads a team of skilled craftspeople – in Japan. Generations of men and women have served as toji for Hakutsure, guaranteeing that only the best-tasting sake is made at the distillery.

Types of Hakutsuru Sake and Tasting Notes

Over the years, Hakutsuru has produced some of the finest sake labels ever known. Each Hakutsuru bottle boasts a distinctive taste profile:

Hakutsuru Josen Sake

The Hakutsuru Josen is proudly known as the “most excellent Junmai Sake” by the Hakutsuru sake brewery, brewed using its 250-year-old traditional Shirasuri technique for a harmonious flavour.

Tasting notes: This sake has a strong, toasty, full-bodied flavour paired with an easy dryness and mellow reverberation, making it a reliable accompaniment.

Hakutsuru Karakuchi Sake

This Hakutsuru Sake has been brewed with a 250-year-old traditional technique mastered by the brand’s best craftspeople.

Tasting notes: It is characterised by its well-matured, full-bodied taste and mellow reverberation.

Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake

A premium unfiltered sake crafted to deliver a unique and authentic Japanese drinking experience. “Sayuri,” meaning “little lily,” reflects the sake’s soft and delicate nature, symbolising purity and elegance.

Tasting notes: Delicate floral and fruity aromas with hints of cherry blossom, melon, and a touch of rice sweetness. Smooth and rich mouthfeel, with notes of sweet rice pudding, coconut, and a subtle note of white peach. The finish is soft and refreshing, leaving a gentle sweetness and creamy texture on the palate.

Hakutsuru Jusen Junmai Sake Celebration with Gold Leaf

This premium sake has been elegantly infused with delicate gold leaf, symbolising prosperity and celebration, making it an ideal choice for special occasions and festive gatherings.

Tasting notes: On the nose, it is rich and aromatic with warm spices with hints of coffee, cocoa, and sweet molasses. The flavours are smooth and well-balanced, featuring notes of cinnamon, clove, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee, complemented by subtle sweetness. It ends on a long and slightly dry, with lingering spice and a touch of smoky cacao bitterness.

Hakutsuru Junmai Ginjo Sake

A meticulously crafted sake that achieves a perfect balance of quality and flavour. The Junmai Ginjo classification highlights its dedication to purity, containing no added alcohol and relying solely on natural ingredients.

Tasting notes: Fresh and inviting aromas of white flowers, melon, and a hint of steamed rice. The palate then opens with a light and smooth mouthfeel, with flavours of pear, green apple, and subtle rice sweetness balanced by a crisp acidity. The finish is clean and refreshing, with a gentle lingering sweetness and a touch of minerality.

Hakutsuru Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo

A premium sake crafted with precision and care, showcasing the essence of traditional Japanese brewing. The Junmai Daiginjo embodies the pinnacle of elegance and refinement that Hakutsuru strives for.

Tasting notes: Delicate floral aromas with hints of melon, pear, and a subtle touch of rice sweetness. On the tongue, it is silky and smooth, featuring flavours of ripe fruits like apple and honeydew, complemented by a mild umami richness and balanced acidity. The finish is clean and crisp, with lingering notes of sweetness and a refreshing aftertaste.

Hakutsuru Tokusen Junmai Sake Yamadanishiki

Made from premium Yamada Nishiki rice, this sake boasts a broad flavour and aroma profile with a smooth texture and a savoury body.

Tasting notes: Full-bodied, persistent and slightly dry, this Tokusen is full-bodied and expresses the best of Yamada Nishiki.

Is Hakutsuru Dry?

Hakutsuru sake is well-known for having a dry tone to its palate. It all depends on the label; both Josen and Karakuchi focus on dryness, while the Sayuri Nigori and Ginjo have a sweeter flavour.

Should Hakutsuru Sake Be Served Warm Or Cold?

Hakutsuru is normally stored at room temperature. However, its versatility means that it can be enjoyed slightly warmed or chilled.

How Do You Drink Hakutsuru?

Want to drink Hakutsuru sake in the traditional way? Here are steps to performing the perfect sake serving:

1. Find the best temperature to serve your sake. The Junmai Ginjo and Junmai Daiginjo are best served at room temperature to let you fully appreciate the floral aromas. The Nigori, meanwhile, is better cold since its cloudy, creamy texture is at its best at these low temperatures.
2. When pouring from the bottle, make sure you do it with both hands, holding it with your right hand and touching the other side with your left hand.
3. While an ochoko (ceramic cup) is the traditional sake-drinking vessel, we recommend using a wine glass for aromatic sake like the Ginjo and Daiginjo. The glass’s design helps to collect and release nuanced fragrances over a larger surface area.

Food Pairing: What Food to Drink Hakutsuru Sake With?

Try out these food pairings to enhance your Hakutsure drinking experience:

• The Karakuchi is delicious with Chinese food, grilled meat, and creamy pasta dishes.
• Enjoy the Josen with grilled dishes, sukiyaki, sushi, meat, potato dishes, or sashimi. It pairs exceptionally well with most salty dishes when served hot.
• Pair the Sayuri Nigori with spicy food or your favourite dessert.
• Light and salty dishes such as seafood & grilled veggies go well with the Junmai Ginjo. Apples, muscat grapes, melons, and bananas also complement the Ginjo’s aroma.
• The Sho-Une pairs ideally with rich, cheesy and salty dishes.

What is the Best Mixer For Sake?

While Hakutsuru can be enjoyed by itself, you can also mix it together with another beverage for a unique cocktail refresher. Here are our recommendations:

• Lemon tea
• Ginger ale
• Tomato juice
• Pineapple juice
• Coca-Cola
• Lemon juice

Enjoy the True Taste Of Japanese Heritage Today!

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