{"title":"Sake","description":"Sake may be close to being a perfect beverage. I mean, rice is a perfect food, right? Correct. \n\nGiven Australia’s incredibly diverse culinary landscape, it makes sense that we explore the beverages that come with it. Naturally, sake is a friend to Japanese cuisine, being its traditional and true home. A little junmai number with a spot of nigiri is going to tickle all the right spots in your palate, and your tum. However, given the infinitely malleable ways this humble drink can express itself –  from deeply savoury, umami party, forest drenched, sunlight washed, fruit basket, delicate, rustic, complex, simple and sweet, sparkling, honeyed, floral –  it makes sense that there are endless situations and meals you can sip this drink with. There’s also a lot of ceremony and artistry to how sake is consumed; it’s a pensive drink, one to take your time with. Not a fan of the pure stuff? Thankfully they thought of that too. Cue yuzushu or umeshu, where yuzu or plum (respectively) have been blended with sake to provide a refreshing and completely addictive aperitif. \n\nBut first, some background stats to empower you on your sake journey. Mainly because it’s a truly unique beverage and understanding a few key terms will open your world up to so many different intricacies within the sake world. To make sake you need a few things. Sake rice, for one. It’s different to the rice we eat, harsher and much more aromatic. Most say it's not super good to munch on. This rice is polished, to remove the bran and harsher starches, then steamed, to be made into a mash. Then, water. Cool, calm, crystal clean water that flows from melted glaciers and quiet springs. Most breweries are built near the water source, or sometimes even over the top of them. It is involved in every part of the brewing process. Most importantly, you need koji. Koji is a friendly little fungus used to make many fermented foods, including miso and shoyu. The koji is sprinkled over the steamed rice mash, and it happily converts the starch to sugar. Then, yeast steps in, eating the glucose and turning it to alcohol. All the while allowing all kinds of aromatics to appear. It is a complicated process, involving three fermentations, two of which occur simultaneously – the only fermented beverage in which this occurs. \n\n","products":[{"product_id":"heiwashuzotsuru-umeyuzushu","title":"Heiwa Shuzo - Yuzu-shu","description":"\u003cp\u003eJapanese limoncello! This Yuzushu is crafted with one-year-old Junmai Sake and Yuzu juice, at a 1:1 ratio (higher than most Yuzushu). The yuzu is juiced with its peel, harnessing all the qualities of the fruit: sweet, sour and bitter. Aromas of fresh yuzu with a zesty, citrus tart character and a sweet, crisp finish. Serve chilled, on the rocks, with soda or in a cocktail. YUM.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeiwa Shuzō was established in 1928 in Wakayama prefecture. Their goal is to create products that reflect the landscape, climate and raw materials of their region. Working directly with Yuzu farmers allows Heiwa Shuzō to secure some of the finest fruit in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heiwa Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32036409278510,"sku":"10834","price":70.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/products\/Winona-Wine-Heiwa-Shuzo-Tsuru-Ume-Yuzushu-Heiwa-Shuzo-SAKE.png?v=1687680250"},{"product_id":"0adfd74a-150d-11e9-fa42-5caf8f8054a3","title":"Heiwa Shuzo - Nigori Umeshu","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Nigori Umeshu is crafted with Nankō Ume fruit from Wakayama, with the pulp from the macerated fruit added for extra texture. Beautiful aroma of Ume, a sweet yet tart palate, full body and refreshing acidic finish. All natural – sake infused with ume fruit, ume paste, alcohol and sugar. Great chilled on its own, or in a cocktail like a Spritz. Too tasty. AND it has a fluffy label. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeiwa Shuzō was established in 1928 in Wakayama prefecture. Their goal is to create products that reflect the landscape, climate and raw materials of their region. Working directly with Ume farmers allows Heiwa Shuzō to secure some of the finest fruit in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heiwa Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32036420812846,"sku":"10403","price":67.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/products\/Winona-Wine-Heiwa-Shuzo-Nigori-Umeshu-Heiwa-Shuzo-SAKE.png?v=1687766912"},{"product_id":"hyakujyuro-g-mid-junmai-ginjo-muroka","title":"Hyakujyuro - G-mid Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyakujyuro G-mid Junmai Ginjo is a clean, refreshing Junmai Ginjo from Gifu, brewed for elegance and balance. Aromatically it’s light and floral, with subtle hints of melon and apple. The palate is dry and crisp with gentle umami and a sharp, food-friendly finish. Best enjoyed chilled (around 10–15 °C) to highlight its crisp acidity and delicate aromatics.\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Japanese name for this sake, Hyaku-ju-ro, comes from a popular kabuki actor who lived in nearby Kakamigahara city. In 1912 he made a donation of 1200 cherry trees to line the banks of the city’s Sakai River. It is now a tradition for people to gather at one of the city parks on the banks of the river to see the cherry blossoms’ annual bloom. Jidai was brewed to honour Hyaku-ju-ro’s generous gesture. The label on the bottles reflects the makeup worn by kabuki actors.\\n\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":14985,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"6\":{\"1\":[{\"1\":2,\"2\":0,\"5\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":11184810}},{\"1\":0,\"2\":0,\"3\":3},{\"1\":1,\"2\":0,\"4\":1}]},\"10\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":8421504},\"15\":\"Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\",\"16\":9}'\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hyakujyuro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42629457182896,"sku":"4934894701230","price":67.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/SAKE-GREENFACE.png?v=1723699813"},{"product_id":"melbourne-sake-kh-koshihikari","title":"Melbourne Sake - KH Koshihikari Sake","description":"\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralia’s first craft sake brewery! Melbourne Sake crafts distinctly Australian sake, with premium Australian ingredients. Aromatic, perfumed \u0026amp; delicate, this \u003cspan\u003eKoshihikari \u003c\/span\u003esake undergoes low-temperature fermentation so the yeast has a chance to build delicacy and freshness around the robust and rich riceyness that 90% polished gives. Koshihikari rice is from near Griffith in southern NSW. \u003cspan\u003eUnfiltered, Unpasteurised, Undiluted (Muroka Nama Genshu)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melbourne Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43009123582128,"sku":"22154","price":58.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Melbourne-Sake-KH-Koshihikari-Sake-Melbourne-Sake-SAKE.png?v=1702385170"},{"product_id":"melbourne-sake-tm-tachiminori","title":"Melbourne Sake - TM Tachiminori Sake","description":"\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAustralia’s first craft sake brewery! Melbourne Sake crafts distinctly Australian sake, with Australian ingredients. This Tachiminori sake undergoes low-temperature fermentation so the yeast has a chance to build delicacy and freshness around the robust and rich riceyness that 90% polished gives. It's \u003cspan\u003ewilder, greener and more tangy than the 'KH'. \u003c\/span\u003eTachiminori rice is from Marlivale Farm, an independent family farm near Nimbin tended biodynamically. \u003cspan\u003eUnfiltered, Unpasteurised, Undiluted (Muroka Nama Genshu).\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melbourne Sake","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43009124761776,"sku":"22155","price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Melbourne-Sake-TM-Tachiminori-Sake-Melbourne-Sake-SAKE.png?v=1702385171"},{"product_id":"dainagawa-shuzo-banana-label-sake","title":"Dainagawa Shuzo - Banana Label Sake","description":"\u003cp\u003eA playful yet finely made Junmai-style sake from Akita, brewed to be bright, approachable and irresistibly drinkable. True to its name, it shows a gentle banana-like aroma, soft and fruity rather than candy-sweet, with a smooth, fresh palate and subtle rice umami underneath. Light sweetness, clean acidity and a crisp, tidy finish make it an easy-going, food-friendly sake that’s charming on its own and even better slightly chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dainagawa Shuzo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43169758412976,"sku":"22374","price":72.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Dainagawa-Shuzo-Banana-Label-Sake-Dainagawa-Shuzo-SAKE.png?v=1707396101"},{"product_id":"mannen-kirei-shuzo","title":"Mannen - Kirei Shuzō","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Mannen is made with the Sokujo moto (modern starter method) which at most breweries would mean a 14-16 day ferment, however Kirei Shuzo Tōji (Master Brewer) Masahiro Nishigaki doubles this time to around 35 days and keeps the temperature very low at around 9ºC. This ‘slow and low’ ferment creates freshness with body in the resultant Sake. Masahiro-san also utilises yeast strain Akita #4, sourced directly from the the Sake brewery where the yeast originated, to produce higher malic acid level which creates fresh apple notes and vibrant acidity in the Sake. The Mannen is made with the signature Kirei techniques of small quantities of rice in the Kōji room that are kept for in for a longer period of time while still being checked every 2 hours. The Mannen is also made with a slow pressing technique that results in less liquid yet a more delicate and refined quality. The palate is powerful with a spicy, mineral character with soft sweet fruit. The finish is dry with refreshing acidity. - Black Market Sake. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mannen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44312758157488,"sku":"24502","price":80.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Mannen-Kirei-Shuzo-Mannen-SAKE.png?v=1743252129"},{"product_id":"kirei-shuzo-kirei-92","title":"Kirei Shuzō - Kirei 92","description":"\u003cp\u003eKirei Shuzo is situated in the town of Saijo in Higashi-Hiroshima. Saijo is blessed with an abundance of ideal sake brewing water, with one particular narrow strip of land having the purest water in the region. This water along with cool brewing conditions in Saijo help Kirei Shuzo create wonderfully dry sake with a unique depth of flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tōji (Master Brewer) at Kirei is Masahiro Nishigaki. The 'Kirei 92' is an exceptional sake crafted from rice only polished to 92% of its original size. It is the immense skill and attention to detail from Nishigaki-san that allows this sake to be so well balanced yet complex. A bold yet refined sake that shows a hint of toffee, barley and an elegant woodyness with a long flavourful finish. - Black Market Sake, Importer. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eigashima","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44312758976688,"sku":"24504","price":73.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Kirei-Shuzo-Kirei-92-Eigashima-SAKE.png?v=1743252131"},{"product_id":"hyakujyuro-junmai-ginjo-cosmos","title":"Hyakujyuro - Junmai Ginjo COSMOS","description":"\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aroma is reminiscent of gorgeously blooming white flowers.\u003cbr\u003eThe glossy texture leads to a gentle sweetness that is tightened by\u003cbr\u003efresh acidity . The finish is slightly bitter and airy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Japanese name for this sake, Hyaku-ju-ro, comes from a popular kabuki actor who lived in nearby Kakamigahara city. In 1912 he made a donation of 1200 cherry trees to line the banks of the city’s Sakai River. It is now a tradition for people to gather at one of the city parks on the banks of the river to see the cherry blossoms’ annual bloom. Jidai was brewed to honour Hyaku-ju-ro’s generous gesture. The label on the bottles reflects the makeup worn by kabuki actors.\\n\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":14985,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"6\":{\"1\":[{\"1\":2,\"2\":0,\"5\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":11184810}},{\"1\":0,\"2\":0,\"3\":3},{\"1\":1,\"2\":0,\"4\":1}]},\"10\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":8421504},\"15\":\"Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\",\"16\":9}'\u003eThe Japanese name for this sake, Hyaku-ju-ro, comes from a popular kabuki actor who lived in nearby Kakamigahara city. In 1912 he made a donation of 1200 cherry trees to line the banks of the city’s Sakai River. It is now a tradition for people to gather at one of the city parks on the banks of the river to see the cherry blossoms’ annual bloom. Jidai was brewed to honour Hyaku-ju-ro’s generous gesture. The label on the bottles reflects the makeup worn by kabuki actors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Japanese name for this sake, Hyaku-ju-ro, comes from a popular kabuki actor who lived in nearby Kakamigahara city. In 1912 he made a donation of 1200 cherry trees to line the banks of the city’s Sakai River. It is now a tradition for people to gather at one of the city parks on the banks of the river to see the cherry blossoms’ annual bloom. Jidai was brewed to honour Hyaku-ju-ro’s generous gesture. The label on the bottles reflects the makeup worn by kabuki actors.\\n\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":14985,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"6\":{\"1\":[{\"1\":2,\"2\":0,\"5\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":11184810}},{\"1\":0,\"2\":0,\"3\":3},{\"1\":1,\"2\":0,\"4\":1}]},\"10\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":8421504},\"15\":\"Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\",\"16\":9}'\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Japanese name for this sake, Hyaku-ju-ro, comes from a popular kabuki actor who lived in nearby Kakamigahara city. In 1912 he made a donation of 1200 cherry trees to line the banks of the city’s Sakai River. It is now a tradition for people to gather at one of the city parks on the banks of the river to see the cherry blossoms’ annual bloom. Jidai was brewed to honour Hyaku-ju-ro’s generous gesture. The label on the bottles reflects the makeup worn by kabuki actors.\\n\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":14985,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"6\":{\"1\":[{\"1\":2,\"2\":0,\"5\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":11184810}},{\"1\":0,\"2\":0,\"3\":3},{\"1\":1,\"2\":0,\"4\":1}]},\"10\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":8421504},\"15\":\"Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\",\"16\":9}'\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded in 1920 by Hayashi Eiichi, the multi-award winning Hayashi Honten brewery  just west of Kakamigahara City prides itself on 'remembering the old while embracing the new'. This philosophy guides their sake brewing: they are young, dynamic and hugely innovative yet everything is still done by hand. Their water comes from a 100m deep well fed by the clear waters of the Nagara River, which has been named one of the three most clear-flowing rivers in Japan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hyakujyuro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44965623988400,"sku":"25992","price":68.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Hyakujyuro-Junmai-Ginjo-COSMOS-Hyakujyuro-SAKE.png?v=1770986491"},{"product_id":"kinoshita-tamagawa-2025-ice-breaker-500ml","title":"Kinoshita Tamagawa - 2025 Ice Breaker 500ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eKinoshita Shuzo was founded in the town of Kumihama, Kyoto prefecture in 1842. The present 11th generation Kuramoto (Brewery Owner) is Yoshito Kinoshita and together with Toji (Master Brewer) Philip Harper; established the exceptional Tamagawa sake range.The name Tamagawa, or “Jewel River,” pays tribute both to this waterway and to the deep respect for water that runs through Shinto tradition and the brewery’s own philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tamagawa Ice Breaker is made from Nihonbare rice polished to 60%. This brilliant sake has a off-dry fruity mouthfeel, hints of aniseed and melon and fine refreshing acidity. Drink chilled or over ice! - Black Market Sake, Importer. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kinoshita","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45014878126256,"sku":"26370","price":49.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/files\/Winona-Wine-Kinoshita-Tamagawa-2025-Ice-Breaker-500ml-Kinoshita-SAKE.png?v=1773837707"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/4216\/0430\/collections\/DSC00516-EditResized.png?v=1653346557","url":"https:\/\/winonawine.com\/collections\/sake\/variety_nama-sake.oembed","provider":"Winona Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}