Sake EXCLUSIVE – Our 7th True Sake Selection Tonoike Bo
I cannot tell you how weird it feels when we don’t carry certain brews at True Sake. The store doesn’t feel like home unless we carry at least one product from certain wonderful breweries who we have great relationships with, and enjoy sharing with our customer family! Sometimes a brewery will change their importer or distributor and voilà, we can’t carry their sake. Crud! Well, one such brewery, the very creative and very popular Tochigi Prefecture brewery called Tonoike Shuzoten, has been in flux for the past two years and we have not had their products on our shelves. But all that has gloriously changed, as this famous brewery now has a new importer (read on) and we now have our 7th True Sake Selection brew.
Tonoike Shuzoten led by our buddy Shigeki Tonoike-san and his outstanding Toji Makato Ono-san (who has two Toji guilds to his name) are makers of their two very popular brands Sanran and Bo. And yes, I’m sure many of you recall when they changed their labels for US export to read Beau instead of Bo, and I quickly demanded that they not! Ha Ha. In any case, these guys are our sake brothers! They have made a brew using local Tochigi Gohyakumangoku and some brewing magic to make one of our first “new school” Junmai Ginjo drinking experiences for a True Sake Selection brew.
Wine lovers take note, as this Bo plays with integrated acidity, a tannin-like dryness, and a touch of shibumi to make a Ginjo that is flavorful, bright with a little tingle, and has a professionally quick kire finish that makes each sip a dynamic trip to Tochigi Prefecture.
To tell you more about this glorious and gloriously priced brew, I asked the new Owner and Founder of Sake Infinity, Kayoko Abe, to talk about her company, Tonoike Shuzo, and our True Sake Selection #7.
Tonoike Bo “TRUE SAKE SELECTION”
From Tochigi Prefecture.Junmai Ginjo. SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this Exclusive to True Sake JG is a delicate collection of Asian pear, grape, berry, fig, pineapple, green apple, citrus, and papaya aromas. Say hello to one of our favorite sake producers making a sake for our True Sake Selection portfolio with their own Tochigi Prefecture twist, and some sake-making magic from Super Toji Makato Ono-san. Wine drinkers, take note as this Ginjo made with Gohyakumangoku milled to 55%, is a walk on the wine-side that is light, off-dry, with a laser fast umami finish, and features a peek-a-boo gentle tingle and spritziness. Clean, light, dry, bright, juicy, buoyant, and subtle, this is new-world sake that is refreshing and has a tannin-like dryness that excels in a wine glass. Look for grape, Asian pear, blueberry, Fuji apple, grapefruit, white peach, melon, date, papaya, apricot, persimmon, almond, candied ginger, and tangerine flavors that glide through the palate with a lively mineral water-like flow. This is Tochigi sake brewing at its finest, and at under $40, it’s yours! WORD: Exclusive WINE: Frisky Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, lobster, crab, shrimp, caviar, grilled meats fish and chicken, Carpaccio, pasta, hot pots, light veggies, ponzu-based fare, cheese boards, and anything from the sea.
To tell you more about this glorious and gloriously priced brew, I asked the new Owner and Founder of Sake Infinity, Kayoko Abe, to talk about her company, Tonoike Shuzo, and our True Sake Selection #7.
Tonoike Shuzoten Co., Ltd., Mashiko, Tochigi: The Art of Balance and Refinement
At Tonoike Shuzoten, sake brewing is more than just a craft—it is a delicate pursuit of harmony between nature, tradition, and innovation. Located in a quiet town 100 km north of Tokyo, the brewery draws its water from the Kinugawa River system, which originates in the sacred Nikko mountain range, home to the revered Toshogu Shrine, where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, is enshrined. Using slightly soft well water, Tonoike’s brewers craft sake with an elegant smoothness and gentle character.
What defines Tonoike’s sake? It is a balance of fruity aroma, refined umami, vibrant acidity, and a crisp, clean finish—a signature style that has earned high praise in both domestic and international sake competitions.
Under the expertise of Master Brewer Makoto Ono, every stage of the brewing process—from rice washing to koji making—is meticulously handcrafted. The brewery carefully selects sake rice and yeast from various regions of Japan, striving to showcase the unique character of each ingredient in its final expression.
The surrounding northern Kanto Plain is rich in rice fields, and during the brewing season, winter mornings bring sub-zero temperatures. The crisp, dry air creates the perfect conditions for sake production, allowing for slow, controlled fermentation that enhances depth and complexity.
Now, for the first time, Tonoike Shuzoten is unveiling an original sake crafted exclusively for True Sake—a special release that embodies the brewery’s dedication to quality and innovation.
This sake is not just a drink; it is a testament to craftsmanship, environment, and history, captured in every sip.
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SAKE INFINITY: Bringing Japan’s Hidden Sake Treasures to the U.S.
Imagine discovering exceptional sake from Japan—unique brews crafted with dedication and tradition, now making their way to the U.S. SAKE INFINITY is more than sake—it’s about the stories, people, and craftsmanship behind every bottle.
More Than SAKE, it's an Infinite Story!
Founded by Kayoko Abe and Mio Sakata, SAKE INFINITY is dedicated to bringing distinctive, carefully chosen sake to a wider audience. Each bottle we import carries the essence of its brewery—the craftsmanship, philosophy, and local traditions that shape its flavor.
We believe in working closely with brewers, not just selecting their sake, but truly understanding their approach. By engaging directly with producers and collaborating on product development, we help bring out the best in each sake while making it accessible to a broader market.
Navigating the complexities of export and distribution, we ensure that each sake reaches the right hands—sommeliers, restaurants, and retailers who appreciate its story. At the same time, we listen to the voices of American consumers, providing valuable feedback to breweries and fostering a real connection between maker and drinker.
Beyond sake, we embrace collaboration. By building bridges between the sake and wine industries, expanding beyond traditional markets, and encouraging cultural exchange, we hope to bring new perspectives to the world of Japanese sake.
The Founders: Passion and Perspective:
Kayo, an IWC Sake Competition Judge, follows shudō—the way of sake. She personally visits breweries, refines her selections through hands-on tasting, and works with chefs and sommeliers to create pairings that enhance the dining experience.
Mio, with a background in global consulting and brand strategy, has helped international food and beverage brands expand in the U.S. market. As a boutique winery owner near Napa Valley, he understands the nuances of terroir, craftsmanship, and the parallels between wine and sake.
Together, they are committed to helping exceptional sakes find their place on a broader stage, connecting people through flavors, stories, and shared experiences.
Instagram: @sakeinfinity