Hinoshita Musou Junmai No. 7 日下無雙 純米酒 青龍 七號酵母 (1x72cl)

日下無雙 純米酒 青龍 七號酵母, from Yamaguchi prefecture. Junmai is the straightforward grade to understand: rice, water, koji and yeast, and nothing else — no distilled alcohol added. What you taste is the rice and the brewing, full stop.

This bottling is made with No. 7 yeast. Temperature is where most people either make or ruin a bottle of sake at home, so treat it as part of the recipe rather than an afterthought — see below.

Tasting notes

Junmai usually sits fuller and more rice-driven than the more aromatic grades, with a savoury depth that suits food. Try it lightly chilled from the fridge with sashimi, then pour a second cup and let it warm in the glass — junmai typically shows a different side around room temperature or gently warmed.