The great appeal of sake is that it can be enjoyed at any temperature. So, in the summer, there is a way to enjoy it that will blow away the scorching heat. Whether you drink it ice-cold, on the rocks, or with soda, you can fully enjoy the pleasant umami flavor derived from the rice, and the clean aftertaste that is unique to Niigata sake will cool your mind and body. We will introduce the summer sake recommended by the brewery this summer, along with how to enjoy it.

*The last number in the product description is the alcohol content. " " is a comment from the brewery staff.

From slightly cold to freezing Chill to your desired temperature

One of the interesting things about sake is that its flavor changes depending on the temperature at which it is chilled. Many breweries ship Namachozoshu, which is stored raw and pasteurized once before shipping, from spring to summer, instead of the usual two-stage pasteurization process.

 

  Cool Breeze Suzumi Sake Junmai Namachozoshu(Takano Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./ Nishi-ku, Niigata City)　 Available from the end of April to the end of August, this sake is made from locally grown rice polished to 4% and fermented slowly at low temperatures (8 degrees to 70 degrees).

"Namachozoshu has a refreshing taste and a sharp flavor. Enjoy it chilled to your preferred temperature."

 

Shimeharitsuru Ginjo Namachozoshu(Miyao Sake Brewing Co., Ltd./Murakami City) The sake is released from the brewery in late April to July. Yamada Nishiki rice is polished to 4% at the company's own rice mill. 7% alcohol.

"It is stored raw and pasteurized only once, at the time of bottling. It has a fresh aroma and a soft mouthfeel, with a refreshing and crisp taste."

 

Masukagami S50(Masukagami Co., Ltd./Kamo City) 6Alphabet Line summer limited edition product, shipped from Monday to August. Daiginjoshu, which is made by polishing Gohyakumangoku to 50%.15 degrees

"A refreshing type of Daiginjo. It has a light aroma and a clean taste. Drink it ice-cold. Its nickname is 'Cool Transfer Student'."

 

Kakurei (crane age) Tokubetsu junmai (freshness)(Aoki Shuzo Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Minamiuonuma City) Released in July. Made with 7% Koshitanrei. A light sake with a polishing ratio of 55%. 14%

"A low-alcohol summer drink with a refreshing acidity and subtle sweetness. Enjoy it ice-cold or on the rocks."

 

Kazan Junmai Ginjo Unfiltered Nama Genshu [Stored in ice](DHC sake brewery/Kita-ku, Niigata City)

 Released from the brewery in late April. Made with 4% Koshitanrei locally grown under contract. Kayama summer limited edition sake bottled for about a year in an ice-cold storage facility below 100℃. 0% alcohol.

 "A rich, fruity drink with a sweet, refreshing aroma like ripe pineapple, a refined sweetness, and a sour taste. Serve well chilled in a wine glass."

 

Echigo Toji Jungin(Kinshihai Shuzo Co., Ltd./Gosen City)

Available all year round. Made with 100% Gohyakumangoku. Pure rice Ginjoshu with a polishing ratio of 55%. The label was designed by calligrapher Nanasawa Nanami. 14% alcohol.

"This wine stands out for its softness and lightness. It is mild and fruity, and leaves a gentle, long-lasting aftertaste."

Tsuruno Tomo Separately selected(Hiki Shuzo Co., Ltd./Nishi-ku, Niigata City) Available all year round. A gentle fruity aroma and a clean, sharp taste. 16.1%

"In summer, cool it to your desired temperature, Enjoy it with a variety of meals."

On the rocks or sour

In recent years, drinking unprocessed sake with a slightly higher alcohol content, fresh unpasteurized sake with ice, or mixed with soda has become a standard way of drinking sake in the summer. I would like to try this with the regular sake I usually drink, such as Honjozoshu and Futsushu.

Koshijifubuki Junmai Ginjoshu with a Rock Scent(Takano Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Nishi-ku, Niigata City)

Available from the end of April to the end of August. A pure rice ginjo unprocessed sake with a polishing ratio of 4%. A bottle that has the strength and elegance of an unprocessed sake. 8% alcohol

"The rich flavor and refreshing aroma are enhanced when served on the rocks. Highballs are also recommended."

Pure rice ginjo Taiyouzakari White label(Taiyo Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Murakami City) Shipment will start in mid-May. Nama Genshu is a pure rice ginjo developed for the summer, using Gohyakumangoku rice polished to 5%. 57% alcohol

"Fruity aroma and refreshing sweetness.Enjoy it on the rocks, or with a squeeze of lemon, lime or other citrus fruit and soda. Slowly savour it to your preferred strength.

 

Koshinokambai Lagoon Junmai Ginjo(Ishimoto Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./ Konan Ward, Niigata City)

Shipped from May (summer only). Gohyakumangoku from the prefecture and Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo are polished to 5%. The "Lagoon" series will be launched in 55. 2022%

"The perfect drink for summer, as its character changes depending on the temperature and how it's mixed. I recommend drinking it on the rocks. It's also delicious with frozen lemon or lime in a highball."

 

Kikusui Ryofu(Kikusui Sake Co., Ltd./Shibata City)

Shipping starts on May 5th, limited quantity. Made with 15% prefecture-grown rice. A rich, sweet Honjozoshu with a 100% polishing ratio. 70% alcohol.

"It has a sweet and sour taste, made using yeast that produces a lot of malic acid, which is found in large amounts in white wine. It can be enjoyed chilled and straight, on the rocks, or with soda."

Kirinzan traditional dry(Kirinzan Shuzo Co., Ltd./Aga Town) Available all year round. Rice polishing ratio 65%. Nicknamed "Denkara," this ordinary sake has a sharp taste that you never tire of. 15% alcohol.

"I recommend the 'Kirinzan Sour', which is made by mixing traditional dry beer with strong carbonated water in a 1:1 ratio and adding a squeeze of lemon. It goes down smoothly and is very refreshing!"

Enjoy the seasonal scenery in style

Summer is all about fireworks. There are many products with a fireworks motif, as well as tasteful products that you can enjoy on Niigata's summer nights when the fireworks shine brightly.

 

Takarayama Junmaishu Summer Fireworks(Takarayama Brewery/ Nishikan Ward, Niigata City)

Released in early June. Junmaishu is made with locally grown Koshihikari rice and has a polishing ratio of 6%. 70%

"It's a time to feel nostalgic and reminisce about summer. A drink that will accompany you on a night alone or when chatting with friends. Serve chilled in a small sake cup."

 

Koshinohomare teca (Teka) Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Genshu(Hara Shuzo Co., Ltd./Kashiwazaki City) On sale from June 6th. Named after Kashiwazaki City, famous for its seaside fireworks, the name is a combination of the fireworks term "Teka" (brilliance) and the Italian word "teca (jewelry box)". 24 degrees

"The product name has the double meaning of fireworks and jewelry box. This is a bottle packed with the flavor of each and every bright, shining grain of rice."

 

Echigo Sekkobai Sake that travels through the four seasons Nagaoka Fireworks(Hasegawa Shuzo Co., Ltd./Nagaoka City)

Available only during the summer (mid-June to the end of August). Junmai Ginjoshu made with Hitogokochi rice polished to 6%. 8% alcohol.

"This sake has a soft rice flavor followed by a refreshing aftertaste. Please enjoy it well chilled."

 

Yoshinogawa(Yoshinogawa/Nagaoka City)

Available all year round. Tokubetu Junmaishu is based on the motif of the Nagaoka Fireworks' "Shosan-shakudama". When you look at the round bottle from the front, it looks like a Shosan-shakudama has opened. 15 degrees

"Try chilling it first, then enjoy the change in flavor as the temperature gradually returns to normal. It also makes a great souvenir."

Kame Sou Sou (fresh jar)(Masukagami Co., Ltd./Kamo City)

Available all year round (mainly in summer). A refreshing product filled with Namachozoshu from the Kamenozoki and other earthenware jar series. 17%

"The style of pouring sake from a glass jar into a cup with a ladle will liven up any drinking party. Please enjoy cold sake in a creative way."

A must-drink for beginners. Low alcohol and small volume.

Sake usually has an alcohol content of 15 to 16 percent, which is higher than beer and wine, which are also brewed alcoholic beverages. In recent years, various types of low-alcohol products have been released, making them ideal for beginners to try sake for the first time. Small bottles that can be purchased easily are also recommended for beginners.

 

Junmai Ginjo Taiyouzakari Sky Blue Label(Taiyo Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Murakami City) On sale from late April. Namachozoshu is a pure rice ginjo brewed using Takane Nishiki rice that is polished to 4% and yeast that produces a lot of malic acid. 55% alcohol.

"With its fruity aroma, sweet and sour taste, and light flavor,Women can also enjoy it casually. Serve ice-cold in a wine glass, on the rocks, or with soda."

 

Junmai Daigin Namachozoshu ～Nightcap Drinks～(Tanaka Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Joetsu City) Last year's popular summer limited edition sake, which means "a drink to drink before going to bed," will be released from the brewery on July 7nd.

"It preserves the freshly squeezed flavor and is easy to drink in the summer.It's a refreshing drink that goes well with meals or before bed!

 

Koshinohomare Qn (Kyun) ~Festival~(Hara Shuzo Co., Ltd./Kashiwazaki City)

On sale from July 7th. A sweet and sour pure rice unfiltered sake made with white koji. 24% alcohol.

"It has a cute label with a cat's paws wrapped in a yukata. Enjoy it chilled, just like a white wine."

 

Junmai Ginjo Itkey(Tamagawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Uonuma City)
Year-round product. Winner of the highest gold award in the main category of the "Delicious Sake in a Wine Glass Awards." 12%

"Junmai Ginjoshu is about five times sweeter and more sour than regular sake. If you add ice,It's refreshing and tastes just like grapefruit juice."

 

HAKURO SWEET(Hakuro Sake Brewery Co., Ltd./Nagaoka City)

A year-round product. Junmai Usu Nigorizakura, made using two types of sake yeast, with a well-balanced aroma and flavor that takes advantage of the characteristics of each.

"With its silky smooth texture, fruity aroma, and refreshing acidity, you can experience a new world of sake. Mix it with soda on a hot day."

 

A piece of ice heart(Kirinzan Shuzo Co., Ltd./Aga Town) Released from the brewery in early July. A summer-only Daiginjo unpasteurized sake available in a 7ml size. 300% alcohol.

"Clear taste and soft aroma. Delivered from the foot of Kirinzan.It's a fresh, refreshing unpasteurized sake that's only available in the summer."

 

Echigo Toji Honnama (unpasteurized sake)(Kinshihai Shuzo Co., Ltd./Gosen City)

Year-round product. Rice polishing ratio65%, characterized by its rounded flavor.300mlHonjozo unpasteurized sake of this size.15Every time

"It has an excellent balance of freshness and flavor that only hon-namazake can offer. It's incredibly easy to drink, and before you know it, you'll be drinking cup after cup."

 Give this summer marriage a try!

A sake brewery suggests pairings of food and summer sake. Try some combinations that interest you, from summer seasonal ingredients to Western and Chinese cuisine.

※The photograph is an image.

<With summer vegetables>

 

Simmered summer vegetables, salt-fried edamame beans × Echigo Sekkobai Seasonal travel sake Nagaoka fireworks

Refreshing summer vegetable dish with a piece of ice heart

Deep-fried eggplant (with green onions and Japanese ginger as condiments) ×　Koshinohomare teca (Teka) Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Genshu

Sauteed Asparagus x Takarayama Junmaishu Summer Fireworks

Niigata City Nishi Ward's specialty Kurosaki tea beans × Tsuruno Tomo special selection

Edamame, corn × Echigo Toji Jungin

 

<With summer seafood>

Parboiled conger eel with plum sauce × Takarayama Junmaishu Summer fireworks

Rock oysters × Junmai Ginjo Taiyouzakari WhiteLabel / Shimeharitsuru Ginjo Namachozoshu

Seared bonito, seafood sushi rolls, horse mackerel namero × Echigo Toji Honnama

Grilled silver cod in saikyo sauce ×　Junmai Daigin Namachozoshu ～Nightcap Drinks～

Grilled eel × 3 shaku ball Tokubetsu Junmai Yoshinogawa / Echigo Toji Honsei / Kikusui Ryofu

<With meat dishes>

Yakiniku × Tokubetsu Junmai Refreshing

Braised pork cubes x 3 shaku balls Tokubetsu Junmai Yoshinogawa

Fried food such as fried chicken × Kirinzan sour

BBQ × Junmai Ginjo Taiyouzakari Sky Blue Label / Junmai Ginjo Itkey / HAKURO SWEET / Kikusui Ryofu

Spicy grilled food (camping,BBQIn) ×　Lagoon Junmai Ginjo

Steamed chicken × Echigo Toji Jungin

<With Western cuisine>

Shrimp cocktail, cream cheese canapes × Echigo Toji Jungin

Rich Western food x Kazan Junmai Ginjo Unfiltered Nama Genshu [Stored in ice]

Basil Salad ×　Junmai Daigin Namachozoshu ～Nightcap Drinks～

<With cold noodles>

Somen ×　Kikusui Ryofu

<With Chinese cuisine>

Mapo eggplant x Koshijifubuki A fragrant Junmai Ginjo unpasteurized sake served on the rocks

<With Fruit>

Watermelon and pineapple x Kazan Junmai Ginjo Unfiltered Nama Genshu [Ice-temperature storage, cool sake]

<With standard snacks>

Cold tofu x Suzumi sake Junmai Namachozoshu　/　Echigo Toji Jungin

Tochio's Fried Tofu (with Kagura Nanban miso sauce) x 3 shaku ball Tokubetsu Junmai Yoshinogawa

Drink an appropriate amount of water with water.

Even with delicious summer sake, it's important not to drink too much. Enjoy conversation and time alone when you're just a little tipsy. Here are some tips from the sake brewery:

"Drinking sake at an outdoor BBQ is also recommended, but since it's easy to get dehydrated, it's important to have some diluted water ready and limit your intake to just a little. Summer sake tends to have a light taste, so it's easy to drink too much. Drinking it on the rocks or with soda to lower the alcohol content from the start is also a good way to handle it."

Information and photo cooperation:Aoki Shuzo Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.・Ishimoto Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.・Kikusui Sake Co.,Ltd.・Kirinzan Shuzo Co., Ltd.・Kinshihai Shuzo Co.,Ltd.・Taiyo Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.・Takano Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.・Takarayama Jozo・Tanaka Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.・Tamagawa Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.・DHC Sake Brewery Co.,Ltd.・Hakuro Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.・Hasegawa Shuzo Co.,Ltd.・Hara Shuzo Co.,Ltd.・Hiki Shuzo Co.,Ltd.・Masukagami Co.,Ltd.・Miyao Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.・Yoshinogawa

Neil

("CushuNotebook ""From NiigataR"issue)

Mariko Takahashi