Lagoon, a place where life gathers.

The Japanese kanji characters in Niigata's name mean "new lagoon," because the land is spotted with lakes and marshes. These wetlands are places where life of all kind gathers, as growing plants attract insects, fish, and birds. We humans, as well, have become part of that cycle of life as we gather at the water's edge to enjoy its abundance. That is why we at Ishimoto Sake Brewery chose the name Lagoon for this sake, as we hope that it, too, will bring abundance to life and connect people with one another. Each bottle of Lagoon embodies that desire.

Drink on the rocks for something a little different.

Lagoon is best enjoyed by exploring the flavor changes that come with different temperatures and mixers. For example, pouring over ice offers a clean, refreshing drink that seeps into your core. We also recommend a dash of yuzu or kabosu citrus juice. It goes great with spicy food.
Another great way is to leave out the ice and mix 1:1 with well-chilled soda water for a sake highball. The delightful aromas and sensation make for a lighter, easier drink. We also recommend adding a bit of frozen fruit.

Sustainable production and
gratitude for Niigata’s natural gifts.

Ishimoto Sake Brewery mission is to "Brew rich experiences/moments and contribute to the future of sake and the community." With gratitude and respect for the plentiful good water and the perfect climate for sake brewing in Kameda-go, we seek to repay our local community through sake. The first step on that path is Lagoon. A portion of the proceeds from Lagoon go to support green initiatives for preserving the natural environment of Niigata. Every bottle of Lagoon you purchase becomes a tree planted in Niigata in the hopes of nurturing it for the next hundred years.

Tasting notes by sommelier Shinya Tasaki

Aroma

With an aromatic impression of elegance and delicacy, the fresh-steamed rice notes harmonize and balance well with lactic notes of cream and cream cheese. These are layered with nutty scents of cashews and white sesame paste, ginjo aromas of banana, nashi pear, and a hint of quince harmonizing with mineral elements.

Flavor

Unlike the futsushu style Lagoon with its 19% ABV, this is junmai grade at 16%. Since it also uses Yamadanishiki rice, the first flavor impression is rounded and full, with well-balanced umami and elegant acidity. The mid-palate brings a sense of dryness to harmonize it all, and that lingers into the finish.

Drinking Recommendations

The basic concept of Lagoon is to try it on the rocks or cut with soda, but this junmai ginjo style rewards drinking straight at 12-16°C for a more direct experience of the flavors.
When drinking on the rocks, add two small ice cubes to 120ml of sake. This will both cool the sake and bring the ABV to about 14%, for a more refreshing sensation.

Pairing Recommendations

When drinking straight, it will expand and enrich the flavors of food for a deeper impression.

• Cod or crab hotpot
• Poached salmon with tomato sauce
• Roasted free-range chicken
• Whale soup

On the rocks, it preserves a dish's creaminess while bringing a fresher aftertaste.

• Milt with ponzu
• Salmon mousse or rillettes
• Chicken breast salad