Description
The Story
Akabu is passionate about presenting a vision of the future of sake. This “Kohaku” (Amber) is their limited Autumn release, and it perfectly represents the brewery’s forward looking philosophy. While traditional sake usually sits around 15-16% ABV, Toji (master brewer) Ryunosuke Furudate has crafted this selection at a precise 13% alcohol, creating a light and clean texture that is still bursting with flavor. By using rarely used local Iwate rice varietals, he has managed to pack incredible depth and richness into a body that feels weightless. It is a sessionable fall sake that doesn’t tire your palate.
Tasting Profile
Aroma: A pronounced fruit bouquet led by ripe banana and melon.
Palate: Super complex! Rich rice-forward umami hits first, followed by a distinct, tangy lactic acidity (almost like a hint of yogurt or Yakult). It gives the sake a savory complexity that balances the sweeter notes of fruit.
Finish: Moderate acidity leaves the mouth feeling refreshed and ready for the next bite.
Serving & Pairing
Serving Temperature: Chilled. Use a wine glass to best capture the fruity banana/melon aromatics.
Food Pairings: The brewery specifically recommends French-style cuisine, particularly white fish sauted in butter. The elevated lactic acidity in the sake cuts right through the richness of the butter sauce.
Why We Love It
We love Akabu in large part because of their inspiring history, but we drink it because their technique is flawless. Making a 13% ABV sake that still has such a solid structure is extremely difficult. Its elegant, textural, and incredibly easy to drink. If you are cooking a rich dinner and want a sake that acts like a white wine, this is the perfect bottle.
About the Brewery: Akabu Shuzo
Akabu is led by 6th generation Ryunosuke Furudate, widely considered a prodigy in the sake world. Originally founded in 1896 in the coastal town of Otsuchi, it was completely destroyed by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Refusing to give up on the brewery, they rebuilt from scratch in Morioka City in 2013. In just a few short years, this young team went from a restart to winning National Gold Prizes and earning the title of the #1 ranked producer in Iwate. They pour the soul of the brewery into every bottle, and we truly believe you can taste their passion in every sip.
Specs
Brewery: Akabu Shuzo
Location: Iwate Prefecture
Rice: Gin Ginga, Ginga no Shizuku
Polishing Ratio: 50%
ABV: 13%
Yeast: Iwate Kobo
Style: Fall Seasonal
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