Sake Review for Wine Lovers: Sharaku Junmai Ginjō
A rich, flavorful sake with a smooth texture crafted from pure rice.
Brewery: Miyaizumi Meijo Co.,Ltd. (Website available in Japanese only)
Price: ¥2,192 (purchased in Japan)
Tasting Date: December 2024
Score: 94/100
About Sake
This sake is crafted using Yamadanishiki and/or Yumenoka, sourced from Fukushima and other regions such as Hyogo and Okayama. Made exclusively from rice (polished to a 50% ratio) without the addition of high-strength alcohol, it is a Junmai sake, meaning "pure rice." Fermented at low temperatures in the ginjō style making distinct ginjō flavor, the sake is pasteurized only once to preserve its freshness.
The sake has a pale lemon hue, exuding freshness. On the nose, it offers restrained but precise aromas of fresh green apple, banana, cotton candy, porridge, steamed rice, and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is more expressive than the nose, with an off-dry, medium plus body has rich in texture, and well-integrated alcohol. The mid-palate reveals a savory steamed rice complexity, yet leading to a refined and well-balanced finish, with lively acidity.
In the ginjō style, two key aromatic compounds define the profile: ethyl caproate, which evokes green apple and melon, and isoamyl acetate, which suggests banana. While ethyl caproate delivers a stunning aromatic presence even before tasting, Sharaku focuses expressive flavor on the palate, highlighting the isoamyl acetate that unfold beautifully with each sip.
About the Brewery
Yoshihiro Miyamori represents the fourth generation of the Miyaizumi Meijo Co.,Ltd., established in 1955. The brewery produces two brands: Sharaku and Aizu Miyaizumi. Yoshihiro and his classmate, Takehisa Yamaguchi, are responsible for crafting Sharaku, while his younger brother, Yamato Miyamori, and Yomato’s classmate, Motoki Ichida, oversee the production of Aizu Miyaizumi.
After working in a different industry in Tokyo for three years, Yoshihiro joined the brewery in 2002. Since then, he has focused on enhancing the quality of Sharaku by refining every step of the production process, prioritizing quality over quantity. Unlike many sake breweries that produce specialized sake for competitions alongside their commercial offerings, Yoshihiro applies the same meticulous standards to both.
Sakes from this brewery have high reputation in world competition like IWC.
About the Region
The brewery is located in the Aizu Basin of Fukushima, a region renowned for its ideal conditions for rice cultivation and sake brewing. Aizu's hot summers and cold winters, combined with mineral-rich clay soils, create the perfect environment for growing sake rice. Surrounded by mountains, the basin has abundant sources of pure water, a critical ingredient for sake production. The area's distinctive climate, marked by significant seasonal temperature fluctuations, coupled with fertile soil and clean water, makes Aizu an exceptional location for brewing high-quality sake.
About Storage and Service
This sake is best enjoyed with meals rather than as an aperitif or digestif. Serve it chilled at a temperature of 6–13°C in a white wine glass to fully appreciate its delicate and beautiful aromas.
About Availability
According to Wine-Searcher, this sake is available in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the USA.
All reviews and scores are based on my own judgment, supported by research from the producer's website, as well as interviews and articles from other Japanese websites, or prized results in recognized competition such as Japan Sake Awards, Sake Competition, or IWC (International Wine Challenge.)
If you are a producer, importer, or retailer and would like to submit your sakes for review, please feel free to contact me through the contact section of this website.
Below are the score references for the 100-point scale:
Side note: Only wines scoring above 70 points are selected for review.
70–79: Flawed and average-tasting sakes
80–84: Above average to good sakes
85–90: Good to very good sakes
90–94: Superior to exceptional sakes
95–100: Benchmark examples or classics