For a genial toast in clear, calm surroundings.

The word muku means "unclouded, clear, new." Our wish for Muku is for everyone at a sake gathering to share a genial toast in clear, calm surroundings. As if to grant that wish, Muku was selected as sake for the toast at the welcome reception at the 2023 G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Niigata City, adding elegance to the event's opening.

Ideal for celebrating new beginnings.

According to our kuramoto, the motif of Koshi no Kanbai Muku represents "the morning of a wedding, when you are seeing off the daughter you have raised for so long." The meaning behind its name, along with the light pink label, have long made it an ideal gift for celebrating new beginnings such as weddings, coming of age ceremonies, starting a new job, and more.

Tasting notes by sommelier Shinya Tasaki

Aroma

A harmonious blend of opulence and richness born of maturation. The aroma is characterized by notes of white peaches, quince, banana, hints of muscat grapes, and floral notes of linden and orange blossoms. It also holds refined rice aromas such as rice cakes and fresh rice flour, as well as hints of fresh milk and almond milk. Additionally, there is a subtle hint of something like peanut butter resulting from maturation, which contributes to the overall impression of richness.

Flavor

The initial impression reveals a well-balanced blend of sweetness and umami with hints of rice flavor, and this balance smoothly lasts as it expands, leaving a silky impression. True to its junmai daiginjo character, this balance lingers in the aftertaste. The after-flavors predominantly feature rice-derived aromas, originating from the 48% polishing ratio, and in the finish there's a dry impression and minerality.

Drinking Recommendations

To fully enjoy the flavors above, it's best to savor this sake at 10-15°C. Chill the bottle to around 8°C and pour it into a glass. The first glass will be fresh, and as the temperature gradually rises towards room temperature within the bottle, you can enjoy something smoother in the second and third glasses. If you want to emphasize the rice flavor more, warm it slightly to nurukan, in the range of 35 -45°C.

Pairing Recommendations

This sake brings out the vibrancy, smoothness, and richness of flavors in dishes.

• Cod milt hotpot with grated daikon
• Roasted blowfish milt
• Terrine de poisson
• Steamed flounder with beurre blanc
• Brillat-Savarin cheese (triple cream type with 72% milkfat)