Abe Junmai

Tasting Notes

Abe Junmai delivers a character-rich sake experience, beginning with a prominent umami depth that quickly gives way to a gentle melon note, followed by a clean, grapefruit-like bitterness on the finish. While crafted using the same brewing philosophy as Abe’s Junmai Ginjo, this expression uses rice polished to a lower degree (65–80%), allowing for a broader flavor range and more pronounced earthy complexity.

What sets this sake apart is Abe Shuzo’s focus on individuality: rather than standardizing each batch, the brewers highlight the unique character of each tank, making every release a distinct and personal expression of the brewing process.

It can be enjoyed at different temperatures—chilled at 40°F for a lighter, cleaner profile, or at 50–60°F when you want to explore its umami-driven, more textured depth.

Overview

Food Pairings: A fantastic match for a raw bar, especially oysters with a touch of lemon, where the umami and acidity interplay with briny seafood.

Specifications

Class: Junmai
Style: Umami-rich and tank-specific
Rice: Locally grown rice from Niigata
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 65–80%
ABV: 14–16%
Size: 720ml

With its layered flavor and focus on individuality, Abe Junmai is an ideal sake for those who appreciate authenticity, subtle bitterness, and the evolving artistry of small-batch brewing.