Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake
TSUKINOI Junmai Hikoichi Sake is a Japanese junmai sake from Tsukinoi Sake Brewery in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture. The Hikoichi series is named after founder Sakamoto Hikoichi and focuses on local Oarai-grown rice; this junmai expression is made with Chiyonishiki rice, giving it a grounded, rice-driven identity.
The official Hikoichi series page states that all rice used for the range is grown in Oarai, and that the junmai sake uses Chiyonishiki. Secondary exact-product sources list Chiyonishiki rice, 65% polishing, sake meter value +2, acidity 2 and 16% alcohol. Tsukinoi describes Hikoichi as a local, Oarai-focused brand revived in 2014.
This junmai shows a grain-led aromatic profile with restrained fruit detail, including pear-like and apple-skin nuances supported by a light milky pineapple impression and a touch of wood. The palate is medium-dry and balanced, built around rice umami and acidity, with a clean continuation of that savoury, lightly acidic structure.
Serve this sake chilled at 5–15°C for a clean, refreshing profile, or warm it gently around 50–55°C if you prefer a rounder expression of its rice umami and acidity. It suits Japanese food, izakaya-style dishes and local cuisine, making it practical for shared meals and sake discovery.
Product Highlights
- Japanese junmai sake from Tsukinoi Sake Brewery in Oarai, Ibaraki
- Part of the Hikoichi series named after founder Sakamoto Hikoichi
- Made with Oarai-grown Chiyonishiki rice
- Medium-dry profile with light rice umami and acidity
Product Information
- Brand: Hikoichi
- Type: Sake
- Country: Japan
- Region: Ibaraki Prefecture
- Alcohol: 16%
- Volume: 720ml
Why choose Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake?
TSUKINOI Junmai Hikoichi Sake is worth choosing for its Oarai-focused identity: the Hikoichi series uses local rice, and this junmai is made with Chiyonishiki from Oarai.
Who is Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake best for?
It is best for drinkers who enjoy medium-dry Japanese sake with rice umami, balanced acidity and restrained grain-led aromas rather than a highly perfumed ginjo style.
What is Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake?
TSUKINOI Junmai Hikoichi Sake is a 720ml Japanese junmai sake from Tsukinoi Sake Brewery in Oarai, Ibaraki. It belongs to the Hikoichi local-rice series and is made with Oarai-grown Chiyonishiki rice, showing a medium-dry, rice-led profile with light umami and acidity.
What does Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake taste like?
Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake offers Grain-led and gently aromatic, with subtle fruit tones of pear, milky pineapple and apple skin, lifted by a light woody nuance; Medium-dry and balanced, with a light rice-derived body, gentle texture, subtle fruit complexity, light umami and refreshing acidity; Clean and crisp, with balanced light umami and acidity carrying through.
How should Tsukinoi Junmai Hikoichi Sake be served?
Serve it chilled at 5–15°C for freshness or gently warmed around 50–55°C for more rice character; pair it with Japanese food and izakaya-style savoury dishes.
