Norman

9.8

Name: 鍋島 大吟醸（Nabeshima Daiginjo） 
• Sake type: Daiginjo（大吟醸, highly polished; typically includes a small addition of distilled alcohol
• Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo, Grade A / specially designated) 
• Polish ratio: 35% 
• ABV: 17% 
• SMV: +5 (dry-leaning) 
• Acidity: 1.7 
• Brewery: 富久千代酒造 (Fukuchiyo Shuzo)
• Prefecture: Saga 
• Award note: cited as IWC Trophy Champion / flagship in at least one detailed retailer profile 
• Bottling date + lot: 2025.10, LOT 5732

This is built like a flagship Daiginjo: precision polish (35%), dry-leaning structure (SMV +5), and higher ABV that gives it torque and length rather than airy fade. The common lane is melon and tropical fruit on the nose, then a palate that feels tight, glossy, and more structured than most fruity Daiginjo, finishing clean but not thin.
Had this one again. Pricing was very fair compared to retail. This was my favorite of the two - it is silky smooth with a bit of weight on the palate. Aromatics are there and it doesn’t read sweet on the nose or flavor. Little bit of melon and super balanced. This is a great bottle and its freshness shines though it. Really like. — 11 days ago

Norman

9.3

Delightful — 15 days ago

K L

9.3

Very good as always. Very full bodied and you realize it from what we’re drinking otherwise. — 4 months ago

with Matt

John Jaye

9.2

Excellent drink. Needs to be decanted even at 25 years old. Drink now — 9 days ago

Norman

9.1

Always nice but you can tell the difference from the 3yr and the 8yr. — 15 days ago

Dale Russwurm

8.9

Dark fruit and mild tannins — 2 months ago

Rob van Kalmthout

9.2

First time I really liked a sake. Paired with ceviche with basil and small sprouts. Loved the plummy smell with a distant sweetness — 4 months ago

K L

9.3

Good! Needs to open but always good. — 7 days ago

with Matt

Jordyn Dinwiddie

9.0

So crisp, tiny bubbles. — 17 days ago

K L

9.2

Good but harsher and more tanic than we remember. Didn’t decant but maybe needs it. Opened up a week later but not the favorite still. Definitely more balanced. . — 2 months ago

with Matt