Mizubasho Junmai Daiginjo Sui Review
Sometimes I’m a little surprised that Gunma has such a dull reputation in Japan. Sure, it may not have the tourist traps of Tokyo or Kyoto. But to my mind, it excels in the two best things about Japan: onsen and sake.
Which is why I’m proud to review this tasty little delight, from Nagai sake in Gunma. Truly a treat, I highly recommend trying Mizubasho Junma Daiginjo Sui for yourself.
The Nagai Brewery
The Nagai sake brewery was founded in a little mountain village in 1886. Located right in the middle of Gunma’s impressive mountains, it draws it’s water source from the mineral-rich Tone River. Still today, the sake brewery remains in Kawaba. Kawaba is a little village with strong ‘Sound of Music’ vibes. It’s snowy peaks and quaint buildings makes a breath-taking sight. It is also a hidden gem for skiing and snowboarding resorts!
The Mizubasho Brand
With the development of new technologies, the Nagai sake brewery decided to embrace innovation. In 1992 they launched the Mizubasho brand and completed their new brewery in 1994. Their focus was to combine the quality of traditional craftmanship with the efficiency of new machinery.
The Mizubasho brand is said to be inspired by the Mizubasho flower. These elegant white water lilies bloom in Oze. Unfortunately, this species is translated in English as ‘Asian skunk cabbage’. Harsh.
Nonetheless, the Mizubasho brand is known for its delicate quality and crystal-clear sake.
Mizubasho Junmai Daiginjo Sui
Mizubasho Junmai Daiginjo Sui is made with Yamada Nishiki brewer’s rice and rice sources from a few other prefectures. It has an enticing fruity scent of white peach and crisp pear.
This satisfying sake is well-balanced with sweet notes, but a long dry finish. It is unsurprising that it was awarded an International Wine Challenge gold medal winner in 2016, and recently won a commended award in 2021.
Mizubasho Junmai Daiginjo Tasting Notes
• Sake degree: +2
• Appearance:
• Rice polishing: 50%
• Aroma: Melon, apple and strawberry
• Palate: Creamy, banana yogurt with honey.
Please be sure to sample Mizubasho Junmai Daiginjo Sui ( or any of Nagai Sake’s products) for yourself. Celebrated for its quality, you will not be disappointed. If you are keen to learn, please check out my other Japanese sake reviews. Don’t like reading, but love photos? Follow me on Instagram at hellokanpaidrinks.
