Brand | Eiko Fuji |
Region | Yamagata, Tohoku, Japan |
Spirits Type | Sake |
Spirits Style | Honjozo |
ABV | 15.3% / Rice Polishing: 65% |
Product details
Eiko Fuji Ban Ryu Honjōzō is produced by the Fuji Brewing Company in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture—where sake has been carefully crafted by the Kato family since 1778. Now run by the 13th-generation master brewers under Ariyoshi Kato and brewmaster Kodai Kato, the brewery seeks to marry centuries-old techniques with thoughtful innovation. The name “Ban Ryu” translates to “ten thousand ways,” symbolizing both the countless elements that differentiate sake—including yeast, timing, and koji—and the sake’s exceptional versatility across temperatures and pairings. As a honjōzō-style sake, it includes a small addition of distilled alcohol to refine aroma and texture, adhering to the Yamagata tradition of producing light, clean, and fruit-forward sake.
On the nose, Ban Ryu is elegantly light and fruity, with subtle hints of black currant and licorice, complemented by soft floral and melon-like aromas. The palate is bright and balanced—featuring notes of pear, rice bran, and gentle umami—finishing crisp and clean with a refreshing edge. With an alcohol content around 15.3% and a polished body, it’s exceptionally versatile. It pairs beautifully with sushi and sashimi, acidic green salads, oily ramen, or cured meats and cheeses, and can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed depending on food and mood.