Norman

9.5

Nabeshima Aiyama Junmai Daiginjo

Brewery: Fukuchiyo Shuzo, Saga
Type: Junmai Daiginjo
Rice: Aiyama
Polishing: 40%
ABV: 16%
Prefecture: Saga, Japan

Wow. Immediately mouth-filling even when cold. As it warms, strawberry becomes more pronounced, with kiwi on the nose. Slight effervescence. Sweet, but not actually sweet, just no bitterness. Rich and full on the palate with remarkable intensity. It completely explodes across the palate and has a long, powerful finish. Very different from the lighter sakes in terms of sheer presence and power. — 2 hours ago

A L

10

Start - Gentle sake flavor
Finish - Neutral like water
Overall = Excellent (Favorite sake so far)
———
Chilled - Excellent
Room temp - Good
Hot - Great — 6 months ago

Mark Wadley

9.4

Fruity bright. Made in a daiquiri like cocktail. — 2 years ago

with Karina

Aura Novembre

9.7

11th Anniversary Dinner with Bernie and Jason — 3 years ago

Allison Lyzenga

9.1

Water white; medium intensity aromas of yellow plum, melon, miso; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, full body, pronounced intensity flavors consistent with aromas; flavors more intense than aromas, lovely — 5 years ago

Louis Martin

9.2

One of the best sakes I’ve had. Floral bouquet, smooth, silky, semi-sweet, amazing to pair with flavorful fresh nigiri. Tried it at Mako in Chicago and was a highlight of the wine and sake pairing Omakase experience. — 5 years ago

ella németh

9.5

På dejt med en söt sak(e) — 2 months ago

Norman

9.3

It’s a classic. I thought it got better as it chilled off. It was a bit syrupy and sweet at first. Cooled off it was delightful for me. Interesting as the other bottle was the opposite. — 3 months ago

Norman

9.0

Sake World 2024 Had to judge given it’s the same glass throughout the tasting but others liked this a lot more than me. — 2 years ago

Gerald Montoya

9.2

Light with an oiky texture. Floral aromatics and palate with hints of fruit and a honeyed tones. Delicate yet palate coating. — 3 years ago

Carter White

9.1

Sunflower seeds, spot on. — 4 years ago

Gina Puente

9.3

Full pear, enjoyed it!! Would order again $138 — 5 years ago

Brian Grech

9.0

With the Yips at Maruya — 6 years ago

Christina Burnham

9.6

Rob and Laura brought back from Japan for me. — 2 months ago

Brian Hearty

9.1

Since it is half price sake bottles on Tuesdays at Blue Sushi Sake Grill, we decided to have another! — 5 months ago

Norman

9.0

Hitakami Junmai Ginjo Nakadori
Brewery: Hirako Shuzo
Location: Ishinomaki, Miyagi
Type: Junmai Ginjo (Nakadori)
Bottle size: 720ml
Bottled: 2025.07

Aromatic with a clean, restrained profile. The nose shows fresh melon with a soft sweetness. Entry is crisp and dry with a light weight on palate. Body stays lean.

Mid-palate - fruit and a gentle mineral edge. The finish brings the melon note back with a slight bitterness that helps it fade cleanly.

I’d prefer more palate weight and a fuller, longer finish. — 7 months ago

Norman

9.2

Large/magnum-like sake bottle. — 3 years ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

8.9

Very elegant balance but not super fruity, given it's daiginjo designation. — 4 years ago

Garrick Talmage

9.3

This is the sake I’ve always wanted. Nutty on the nose, dry, smooth, absolutely incredible. My palate might not be refined enough to taste the sunflower but 🤷‍♂️ — 5 years ago

with Conner

Hiroyuki Hikichi

9.5

Celebrate the new year! — 6 years ago