向井酒造 MUKAI SHUZŌ 'Ine Mankai'

Grade: Junmai

Subcategory: Genshu

Rice variety: Murasaki Komachi (red rice), Kyo no Kagayaki

Poishing rate: 92% Murasaki Komachi, 70% Kyo no Kagayaki

Country: Japan

Region: Kyōto prefecture, Kansai

ABV: 14.2%

Brewing: Undilluted

Serving temperature: chilled

Size: 720ml

Notes: Mukai Shuzō is headed by the groundbreaking Mukai Kuniko. Not only is Kuniko one of Japan's first female tōjis 'master brewers' but she's one of the most talented and creative tōjis producing today. She has a keen instinctual ability to envision taste and incredible technical prowess using entirely junmaishu 'pure rice sake' production--allowing her stunning sakes to sing. This 'Ine Mankai' is made from a blend of 92% polished Murasaki Komachi and 70% polished Kyo no Kagayaki. Murasaki Komachi is a local ancient rice varietal with an amazing red color, giving this sake a beautiful pink hue. Making this sake even more prized is the fact that methods for extracting and preserving the Murasaki Komachi's color are a highly guarded secret. The flavor of this 'Ine Mankai' is made from a combination of extremely high levels of sugar and acidity, giving the sake an unlimited taste range.