| Brand | Hakurakusei |
| Region | Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Junmai Daiginjo |
| ABV | 16% |
Product details
Hakurakusei The Connoisseur Junmai Daiginjo takes its name from the legendary horse master Hakuraku, symbolizing the pursuit of hidden excellence and refined vision. Inspired by the tale of a celestial horse raised by a discerning trainer, this sake embodies elegance, purity, and restraint. Brewed with half the residual sugar of typical modern sakes, it offers a crisp, clean profile designed to enhance cuisine rather than overpower it—an ideal choice for true connoisseurs who appreciate subtlety and precision in every sip.
For this exceptional Junmai Daiginjo, Niizawa-san selected heirloom Omachi rice polished to 40%, resulting in a graceful sake with subtle herbal and savory nuances. Light-bodied and finely textured, it showcases a delicate harmony of flavors that make it the crown jewel of the Hakurakusei series. Refined and versatile, this premium sake is crafted to pair seamlessly with a wide variety of dishes.
Rice: Omachi | Polishing Ratio: 40%
Hakurakusei The Connoisseur Junmai Daiginjo offers a refined tasting experience focused on the pure expression of rice rather than exaggerated yeast-derived aromas. Subtle notes of banana and melon emerge on the nose, followed by a bright, pineapple-like freshness on the palate. The finish is smooth and elegant, with a mellow sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity that leaves a clean, gentle aftertaste.
\Lightly chilled and served in a wine glass, Hakurakusei The Connoisseur Junmai Daiginjo shines alongside a wide range of dishes—from delicate Japanese fare to rich Western and Chinese cuisine—making it a versatile and elegant choice for any dining occasion.
In the late 1990s, Mr. Niizawa set out to create a new kind of sake—one that would complement food with subtle flavor, low sugar, and easy drinkability. This vision gave rise to “Hakurakusei,” the ultimate food sake, in 2002. Initially misunderstood, the concept of a pairing-focused sake eventually gained wide recognition, leading to its trademark registration in 2016. Today, Niizawa Brewery continues to challenge tradition through a collaborative brewing culture where age, gender, and hierarchy do not define talent. In 2018, the brewery appointed Japan’s youngest female toji at age 22, reflecting its commitment to innovation and cultivating young brewers through shared knowledge and rigorous sensory training.
Niizawa Brewery is also renowned for its groundbreaking rice polishing techniques, achieving a world-record 0.85% polishing ratio with diamond roll flat polishing machines. This method removes unwanted flavors while preserving the rice’s core umami, resulting in sake that is refined and elegant. All products are stored at -5℃ to maintain peak freshness, from premium labels to seasonal nama-zake. Combined with a dedication to continuous improvement and quality control, Niizawa Brewery sets a global standard in craftsmanship while staying true to its mission—creating sake that enhances the dining experience.
