Den's Blue Label Junmai launched in August of 2024 featuring the use of low polish Yamada Nishiki rice from Sacramento, California. With a polishing ratio of 80% (20% removed), this sake is driest of all of the Den sakes. Yoshi and Lani, the brewers of Den add, "Over time, it will develop even more complexity and round out with more body." So get one bottle to try fresh and another to age in your cellar for a few years. Nominated for a James Beard Award in its first year and second year, Den Sake Brewery is just around the corner from us in Oakland, so we receive the freshest brew possible. We are proud to carry our hometown sake! The seed for the idea to start Den Sake Brewery in Oakland, CA was planted in 2015, when Yoshi Sako started to theorize on how he could make sake himself. A bartender and accomplished sake sommelier for years, Sako stated that, "[... in order] to complete my desire to know more about sake, I knew I had to get fully into it – that meant brewing it, not just drinking it." Even with all the limitations he faces as a brewer in the United States, Sako's sake exhibits the delicate and refined qualities that you would find in a Japanese sake. His attention to detail and skilled use of koji and yeast yields sakes that can be enjoyed cup after cup, balancing fresh fruitiness, acidity, and umami – all with a clean crisp ending. Read about our visit to Den Sake Brewery on our blog! Note: We can ship this sake, but due to the nature of shipping, please note that fluctuations in temperature can affect the freshness of the drink, and we will always recommend picking up locally when possible. Please proceed with shipping at your own risk. Features: Brewed in Oakland, California by Den Sake Brewery Junmai Seimaibuai (rice kernel remaining): Yamada Nishiki 80%, SMV: +5, Acidity: 1.65, Yeast: 901 ABV 15% 17 fl oz (500ml)
