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Recommended by Shima Sake Store, Mr. Shima!
5 selections of Japanese sake that are hot right now from brewers

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A specialty store trusted by alcohol lovers has undergone a pop-up renovation!
The interior looks like a modern dining room, with a pop of yellow accent color.Shima Saketen is a select shop specializing in local sake and shochu. The store was renovated on May 2023, 5, and the atmosphere of the store has changed to a much more casual atmosphere.I think it has become easier for beginners who have recently become interested in sake to enter.
Since opening in 1947, the third generation has turned what was previously a "town liquor store" into a specialty store. With the motto of "casual and fun," we are expanding the fan base of sake.In addition, we are actively planning various events to dispel the rigid image associated with traditional Japanese sake and to make it more familiar to people.
There are 35 sake breweries and approximately 60 brands available.We thoroughly control the temperature using refrigerated cases and are particular about serving our food in the best possible condition.We also have a rich lineup of shochu.
Click here for the person introducing this article

- Owner Kenta Shima
-
ProfileWe are the third generation to take over the family business at a young age and have been in business for 25 years.His mission is to connect passionate brewers and drinkers, and he travels around the country to sake breweries.
Mr. Shima's Recommendations: 5 Sake Sake Made by Sake Makers
■NANZAN/Joyo special pure rice
``Many people know the name of this brewery, but I would like them to give it a try.It has the quality of sake that you can get today, with a ginjo flavor.It is one of the breweries that is pushing the boundaries.
This is a private brand of Kyoto Shurinkai.The Kyoto Sake Forest Association is an organization that aims for the good of all three parties: farmers, sake breweries, and liquor stores, and uses 100% Kyoto-produced rice from rice planting and harvesting.The taste is sharp and has clean acidity, which brings out the characteristics of Shukumai.It’s a raw sake that goes well with meals.”
Joyo Sake Brewery (Kyoto Prefecture) / 1800ml 3,080 yen / Alcohol content 16% / Rice polishing ratio 60%
■Hagi no Tsuru Junmai Ginjo Omachi
“Hagino Sake Brewery has a lot of pop brands such as those with cat labels and those made specifically for glasses, but it is actually very classic.It is attracting attention for its fresh, fruity, and juicy taste.
Among them, this is a rare aged type.While maintaining its beauty through ice-cold aging, it has the flavor and richness typical of Omachi.We recommend keeping it at room temperature rather than too cold, as it will bring out the perfect flavor and bring out the flavor of the dish."
Hagino Sake Brewery (Miyagi Prefecture) / 1800ml 3,850 yen / Alcohol content 15% / Rice polishing ratio 50%
■Hirotogawa special pure rice
``He became the brewer's brewer at the age of 26 and has continued to win gold awards at the National New Sake Awards.He has a gentle and gentle personality, and his personality seems to be reflected in the quality of his sake.
The aroma is modest, the texture is soft and smooth, and there is a range of just the right amount of sweetness and just the right amount of umami, and although it is not catchy, it has an approachable taste.This is our signature product along with Shinomine.Honorary sake served at this year's G7 Hiroshima Summit Dinner"
Matsuzaki Sake Brewery (Fukushima Prefecture) / 1800ml 2,970 yen / Alcohol content 16% / Rice polishing ratio 55%
■Shinomine Rin Omachi Junmai Ginjo Unfiltered raw sake
``One of our signature breweries. We make good use of Omachi rice to bring out the flavor without embellishment.Of Chiyo Sake Brewery's 70 brands a year, this is the representative one that ranks right in the middle.
The rice is made entirely from Seto Omachi in the Akaiwa district, and the quality of the rice is directly conveyed.Even if the rice doesn't melt very well and ends up dry, we don't add any flavor to the rice, instead bringing out the texture of the rice as it is.This year's dryness has been fleshing out since April, making it a brand that has a flavor throughout the year.You can enjoy the differences in taste from year to year."
Chiyo Sake Brewery (Nara Prefecture) / 1800ml 3,300 yen / Alcohol content 15% / Rice polishing ratio 60%
■KINOⅡ/Returning to farmingⅡ
“Three or four years ago, my son and brother took over, and the older brother is in charge of planning and producing, and the younger brother is in charge of the brewer.
The impressive name comes from the concept that ``all industry is rooted in agriculture.''This is a brand that respects and respects agriculture, and uses home-grown Ise Nishiki to make Kimoto.Ise Nishiki is a regional sake rice that was popular nationwide in the early Showa era, but had disappeared for a while, but was revived by the brothers' father.
The first batch made before this used rice grown using natural farming methods, but [KINO II] uses conventional rice cultivation.Either way, the taste remains the same.The idea is that it is not a matter of which is better or worse, but that by promoting both farming methods in parallel, farmers can continue to do so without putting a burden on them."
Motosaka Sake Brewery (Mie Prefecture) / 1800ml 4,180 yen / Alcohol content 16% / Rice polishing ratio 65%
Even the uncatchy drinks have something to say.
Taking advantage of the renovation, Kyoto sake was moved to a more prominent location near the entrance.The sake breweries in Fushimi and Tango will also be replaced, with the hope of supporting the younger generation who rely on them and working with them to create excitement.Mr. Shima says, ``Alcohol that doesn't have a catchy feel has something to convey.''As the narrator of the story behind each bottle of sake, he will continue to connect brewers and sake fans.

island liquor store
- Address
- 24-4 Nishinokyo Enmachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto PrefectureOpen with Googlemap
- TEL
- 075-463-7166
- Opening hours
- 10:00~20:00
- Closing days
- Wednesday
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