Kikuhime Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume Hiyaoroshi 2026

The nose on this seasonally released single-pasteurized and gently aged Hiyaoroshi sake is a powerful collection of sweet potato, cottage cheese, chestnut, melon, wheat, forest floor, earth, fig jam, golden raisin, hazelnut, banana bread, and white mushroom aromas. Without a doubt, this fall draft sake wins the best rice and highest ABV award of all of our Hiyaoroshi sake this year. Made with Hyogo’s finest AAA Yokawa Yamadanishiki milled to 65% and Kikuhime house yeast, this brew is 18% ABV of liquid umami madness. Gentle, soft, light, smooth, bright, vivid, good impact, watery, medium-bodied, and with an uptick acidity, this sake is rich-lite and dances all over the sweet umami dance floor. Look for red apple, peanut butter, sweet cream, miso, sesame, crème fraiche, butter mushroom, candy corn, whipping cream, maple syrup, cooked raisins, Milk Duds, and warm milk flavors that scream seasonal sake from the famous sake drinking Mecca known as Ishikawa prefecture. WORD: Complex WINE: Deep Reds/Complex Whites BEER: Frisky Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, fried chicken, grilled fish, spring roll, beef jerky, prosciutto, pizza, french fries, salad, tacos, and barbeque. (2026)

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The nose on this cult brewery fan favorite and its seasonally released Fall Draft brew is an active collection of banana bread, melon, mango nectar, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut water, tobacco, lemon-honey tea, lemon muffin and Tokyo banana aromas. Say hello to the boldest “Hiyaoroshi” sake in our collection this year. With an ABV of 18% and made with the highest rated Yamadanishiki (AAA) from Hyogo, this “fully matured” brew is a massive and expansive sake that blends umami and sweetness with a refreshing crisp acidity to make a dazzling drinking experience. If you like it big and with impact, enjoy this Ishikawa fan-favorite that drinks rich, round, fleshy, tingly, full-bodied, and fun with a long flavorful finish. Look for raisin, honey tea, vanilla, caramelized sugar, lemon cookie, beef jerky, and other frisky flavors that drink loud and with umami heat. This is sake drinker’s sake. WORD: Umami WINE: Frisky Reds/Lively Whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Yakitori, chicken teriyaki, fried chicken, grilled fish, sukiyaki, prosciutto, pizza, French fries, and warm salads. (2024)