Kikusui Junmai Ginjo

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo

With its eye-catching blue bottle, Kikusui Junmai Ginjo ends up as an introduction to premium Japanese sake for many future sake drinkers. And while we hesitate to recommend choosing sake based on its aesthetics, this junmai ginjo is more than a pretty face: It's one of the best sakes from Japan for beginners and seasoned vets alike.

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo opens to a fresh & nutty cataloupe melon nose dipped with citrus and banana hints. The medium body is well-balanced, neither too sweet nor too dry. It leaves a creamy touch in the mouthfeel, teasing at forthcoming fruity flavors. In the palate, you'll sense dips of orange, pear, and persimmon.

The finish is drier & lighter than its first impression lets on. Still, it manages to hold onto a hint of sweetness that captures its junmai ginjo flair. For white wine drinkers, this Kikusui sake is an especially apt introduction to sake.

Thanks to the crisp acidity, Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is the perfect power-up for savory meats and fruits. It shines with mildly spicy chicken, pork, and seafood dishes.

  • Producer: Kikusui Brewing Company
  • Prefecture: Niigata
  • Category: Junmai Ginjo
  • Rice Polishing (Seimaibuai): 55%
  • Rice: Sakamai
  • ABV: 15%
  • Sake Meter Value (SMV): +2
  • Acidity: 1.4

Frequently asked questions

Is Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sweet or dry?

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo has a sake meter value (SMV) of +2. It leans more towards light & dry than rich & sweet.

How do you serve Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sake?

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is best enjoyed cold at a drinking temperature between 40ºF to 60ºF. It's also enjoyable at room temperature (about 70ºF).

What does Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sake taste like?

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo tastes include melon, orange, pear, and persimmon. You may also detect rice-like flavors and slight minerality in the aftertaste.

Where is Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sake brewed?

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sake is brewed by Kikusui Brewing Company in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Kikusui has been brewing sake for over 130 years.