| Brand | Afuri |
| Region | Kanagawa, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Nama, Junmai |
| ABV | 15% / Rice Polishing: 90% |
Product details
Afuri’s Kame no O Wild Yeast Nama is a tribute to both heritage and terroir, crafted by Kikkawa Jozo at the foot of Mount Afuri in Kanagawa. The name “Kame no O” refers to a rare heirloom rice, rediscovered in 1897 and often called “phantom rice” for its scarcity and storied past. Brewed with local rain-fed spring water naturally high in minerals, the sake is fermented slowly at low temperatures to enhance its complexity. Notably, the rice is polished to just 90%—a minimal refinement that preserves rich grain character while still achieving a ginjo-like elegance. The spontaneous wild-yeast fermentation adds both acidity and depth, resulting in an unpasteurized (nama) Junmai sake with a boldly expressive personality.
On the nose and palate, expect a vibrant bouquet of wild florals and juicy orchard fruits—think ripe melon, pear, white grape—with a subtle funk from the native yeast . The mid-palate is lush and rich, yet balanced by refreshing acidity (SMV about –13, acidity 2.2), finishing clean and minerally with a nod to tradition. This sake excels when served chilled alongside delicately flavored dishes: albacore tataki, lean red-fleshed fish, sushi and sashimi, grilled seafood, or light salads—pairings that highlight its crystalline acidity and enliven the palate. For a creative twist, it also harmonizes beautifully with scallops in ponzu or Northern Thai-style ceviches, where its vibrant acidity and mineral backbone shine.
