Hakutsuru : Nishiki

Tasting characteristics and advice for Nishiki d'Hakutsuru

Tasting

Nose

Delicate aromas of jasmine and orange blossom, accompanied by fruity notes of pear and longan. The nose also reveals hints of cucumber, bringing a fresh, vegetal lift.

Palate

A precise, crystalline opening of great finesse. The palate reveals a pure, mineral character with notes of pear, jasmine and orange blossom. The silky texture gives way to a finish marked by a slight bitterness and touches of vanilla.

Food pairings and tasting occasions

This sake pairs perfectly with abalone, oysters or sea bass sashimi. It is best enjoyed chilled, at a temperature between 6 and 12°C.

A pure, mineral Junmai Daiginjo from the Hyogo region

Hakutsuru: nearly three centuries of Japanese brewing excellence

Founded in 1743 by Jihei Kano in the Nada district of Kobe, Hakutsuru embodies nearly three centuries of brewing excellence in Japan. Now led by Kenji Kano, this House remains the world’s leading sake producer and the country’s best-selling brand. Based in a privileged region of Honshū benefiting from exceptional spring water, local rice and the cold winds of the Rokkō Mountains, Hakutsuru combines age-old traditions with technological innovation. The estate notably cultivates hakutsuru nishiki, an exclusive premium rice variety, reflecting its unwavering commitment to quality and to the international recognition of Japanese sake. The House notably took part in the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle.

A sake crafted from an exclusive rice variety

Nishiki is a Junmai Daiginjo made from the premium hakutsuru nishiki rice variety, developed by the House itself. The rice is polished to 50%, revealing the heart of the grain to produce a remarkably pure sake. Fermentation is carried out slowly at low temperature in order to preserve delicate aromas. The groundwater used comes from the Rokko mountain range and stands out for its richness in phosphorus, calcium and potassium, contributing to this sake’s signature mineral profile. This Junmai Daiginjo was awarded the Gold Prize “Monde Selection” for eight consecutive years, from 2011 to 2018, attesting to its exceptional quality recognized internationally.