| Brand | Chitosetsuru |
| Region | Hokkaido, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Junmai Ginjo |
| ABV | 15.5% / Rice Polishing: 55% |
Product details
For over 150 years, Nippon Seishu’s Chitosetsuru has stood as Hokkaido’s pioneering sake brewery, founded in 1872 by Yojirō Shibata along the banks of Sapporo’s Toyohira River. Today, Chitosetsuru remains the sole sake producer in central Sapporo, leveraging crystalline spring water filtered through the majestic mountains of Hokkaido. The brewery’s commitment to local terroir—its “Hokkaido-made sake using Hokkaido rice”—culminates beautifully in its Junmai Ginjo, Kita Shizuku. Crafted from 100% Kita Shizuku rice, a cold-hardy cross between native Ginpu and veteran Omachi grains, this sake is carefully polished to 55% and fermented with Kyokai No. 6 yeast to create a clean expression of northern Japan’s land and spirit.
In the glass, Kita Shizuku Junmai Ginjo opens with enticing notes of marzipan and honeydew melon layered over a silken texture. As it evolves, delicate hints of wildflower honey emerge before resolving into a snappy finish of tart green apples. The medium body and off-dry sweetness from the rice lend both depth and versatility. Its elegant balance makes it a superb partner for aged cheeses and grilled whitefish, while the gentle sweetness creates a beautiful contrast with steamed bok choy. For the best experience, serve slightly chilled in a wine glass to highlight its layered aromas and brisk, refreshing clarity.
