Amabuki, Gin No Kurenai, Junmai

Amabuki Shuzo has been producing saké since the Genroku era (1688-1704), yet remains on the cutting edge of innovation and style. The brewery uses the gifts of nature - rice from the fertile Saga Plain, water from the Sefuri Mountains and yeasts from flowers, which offer unique individuality of flavors and aromas. This particular bottling is one of the coolest and most interesting sakés I have tasted in a while. Yeasts from Queen of the Night & strawberry flowers are used, along with ancient black rice, adding both texture and a gorgeous pale lilac color. It's definitely not like anything else and I am quite pleased we have it on our shelves. If you are looking for a saké with both accessibility and character, this one is a winner.