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Junmai & Honjozo

These dependable categories of sake are the workhorses of the sake world. 

The Junmai category is historically the “way sake was.” These brews can have their rice milled to many different levels from 80% with 20% removal to 65% with 35% removal as long as the milling percentages are on the label. The old norm was Junmai sake had to be milled to at least 70% remaining and 30% removed, but this is no longer the case.  The result is that some Junmai can drink very rich and full-bodied, and some drink lighter and more elegant. Just remember that Junmai also means “rice and water only,” and it’s a great center of the plate food pairing sake that is perfect for most cuisines from salty and savory to rich and robust, fried and grilled to baked and steamed, and from spicy to complex. Good for chilled, room temperature, warming and heating. 

Honjozo sake has the same rice milling standard that Junmai sake used to have 70% remaining and 30% removal.  The difference with Honjozo is that the makers add a little “brewer’s alcohol” to lighten the sake and clean things up. Honjozo sake is not fortified sake – it is not made stronger by the added alcohol – in fact it makes a sake lighter and more refreshing. This category of sake is perfect for easy drinking and easy food pairings.  Good for chilled, room temperature, warming and heating.

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    Chitose Tsuru Junmai "Ginpu"

    semi-dry, pomelo, minerals.
    In stock

    The nose on this slick Junmai is a gentle collection of cream, powdered sugar, snowmelt, sourdough, sesame seeds, sugar cookie, and rice cracker ar...

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    Kiuchi Kikusakari Junmai "Tarusake"

    elegant, woody, impressive.
    Out of stock

    The nose on this unique style of “cedar” sake is of course woody with cooked orange peel, blueberry, leather, and roasted rice aromas. Let’s cut to...

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    Takenotsuyu Junmai "Bamboo Tears"

    legendary, classic, elegant.
    In stock

    The nose on this legendary Junmai sake is a classic collection of pound cake, nougat, muffin, strawberry, orange blossom, cream, bread dough, white...

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    Abe Junmai "Black"

    niigata, but not niigata.
    In stock

    The nose on this modern brew from Niigata Prefecture is a wonderful collection of lemon lime, grapefruit, peach, cereal milk, caramelized sugar, pe...

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    Toyonoaki Junmai "Karakuchi Kingoro"

    shibumi, steamed rice, dry.
    Low stock

    The nose on this dry guy from Shimane has an interesting collection of steamed rice, crushed leaves, rice crackers, and banana bread aromas. Ok, so...

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    Jozen Junmai “Honey Yeast”

    gentle, easy, low abv.
    Out of stock

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    Tsukasabotan Junmai "Ryoma Sakamoto"

    ricey, dry, professional.
    Out of stock

    The nose on this brew that can be classified as “Old School Kochi” sake is a cool collection of vanilla, cereal, cinnamon, apple, cracker, grains,...

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    Gozenshu Bodaimoto Junmai "1859"

    complex, deep, impactful.
    In stock

    The nose on this very important bottle of sake is a crafty collection of pear, mango, lemon peel, pineapple, and a hint of savory cocoa and rice ar...

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    Heiwa Shuzo KID Junmai "Agara 80"

    elegant, ricey, intriguing.
    In stock

    The nose on this special and very “locals only” Junmai is a cool collection of apple, vanilla, raisin, seawater, cooked pear, grapefruit, and lemon...

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    Tsuchida Kimoto Junmai 90 "Shin"

    acidity, complex, umami.
    Out of stock

    The nose on this sake pays homage to brewing techniques from the 1600’s is a wild collection of apple cider, natto, maple syrup, candied cherries, ...

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    Gokyo Kimoto Junmai "Kioke Zukuri"

    woody, apple pie, raisins.
    In stock

    The nose on this traditionally-made sake is a vast collection of black cherry, vanilla, cedar, spices, corn, graham cracker, and honey aromas. Typi...

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    Azumaichi Junmai "Eastern Legend"

    rich, dry, vegetal.
    In stock

    The nose on this Junmai with Yamadanishiki milled to 64% is a unique collection of apple, celery, pear, custard, daikon, mint, oatmeal, and herbal...

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    Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai Miyamanishiki 55 "Sushi Booster"

    clean, crisp, easy.
    Out of stock

    The nose on this concept sake from the ever-popular Otokoyama Brewery is a slick collection of oatmeal, vanilla, brown rice, cinnamon, clove, and s...

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    Yuki Otoko Honjozo "Yeti"

    refreshing, dry, crisp.
    In stock

    The nose on this totally cool sake is a fresh collection of vanilla, crème brûlée, cotton candy, powdered sugar, and nougat aromas. Cool, Cool, Coo...

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    Hakuto Tokubetsu Junmai "Deep Faith"

    pound cake, deep, umami.
    Low stock

    The nose on this brew that is made by a husband-and-wife brewing duo is a very interesting collection of honey roasted nuts, grains, pancakes, brea...

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    Nagurayama Aizu Shikon Tokubetsu Junmai "Crane Castle"

    new from fukushima!
    In stock

    The nose on this inspired brew has a cool collection of peach, honeycomb, melon, pear, nectarine, rock sugar, and clove aromas. The importer calls ...

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    Kamitaka Mizumoto Junmai "Octopus Label"

    ricey, dry, bright.
    In stock

    The nose on this brew made using the oldest technique in sake making is a deep collection of nuts, cream, leather, carrots, and a hint of peanut b...

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    Housui Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai Cup "Old Mountain"

    rich, dry, warmed honey.
    Low stock

    From the importer Sake Story: "Old Mountain" is a direct descendant from Japan's oldest brewing traditions. Yamahai starters require careful atte...

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    Matsunotsukasa Kimoto Junmai

    chestnut, umami, mild.
    Out of stock

    The nose on this traditionally made pole-rammed sake is a unique collection of pecan pie, butter popcorn, rum raisin, nuts, and ocean water aromas....

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    Maruishi Nito Junmai Yamadanishiki 65

    march secret word.
    Out of stock

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    Shinano Nishiki Junmai “Wasanbon”

    miyamanishiki milled to 91.
    In stock

    The nose on this very cool Junmai is a wild collection of maple syrup, crème brûlée, cashew butter, pecan, burnt caramel, cacao, leather, and chees...

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    Housen Nami no Oto Kura no Hana Tokubetsu Junmai "Sound of the Waves"

    easy, magical, phantom finish.
    In stock

    The nose on this Miyagi magical sake is a cool collection of papaya, ginger, orange peel, blueberry, pine, graham cracker, nutmeg, and persimmon ar...

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    Matsunotsukasa Kimoto Junmai "Kame Clay Vessel 2022"

    rare and/or limited.
    Out of stock

    There's not a lot of this in the United States. If you were even the least bit curious, I'd snag this now before it's too late. -Chris

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    Den 90 Nama "Kimoto"

    oakland's first kimoto!
    Out of stock

    *NOTE: This sake is unpasteurized. We can ship unpasteurized sake, however it is at the customer's discretion. It's best to avoid shipping unpasteu...

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