| Brand | Kikuhime |
| Region | Ishikawa, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Daiginjo |
| ABV | 18.5% / Rice Polishing: 50% |
Product details
Kikuhime Kukurihime Daiginjo is the crowning jewel of Kikuhime Brewery, a sake producer with roots dating back to the late 1500s in Ishikawa Prefecture. Named after Kukurihime, the mountain deity of Shirayama Hime Shrine at the source of the brewery’s pristine spring water, this flagship sake is crafted from AAA‑grade Yamada Nishiki rice sourced from Yokawa, Hyōgo, polished down to 50 % or less. Each year, brewers select their most exceptional Daiginjo batch, then age it under carefully monitored, low-temperature conditions for at least ten years—elevating both texture and complexity. The brewery combines century-old artisanal techniques with modern precision—embracing tradition over mass production while employing cutting-edge equipment to accentuate, not replace, handcrafted quality .
Upon pouring, Kukurihime displays a silken viscosity and an 18 % ABV that carries a delicate balance of dryness and depth. Initial Ginjo‑fruit notes—think honeyed melon or banana—have evolved through the aging process into richer, more layered aromas: caramel, brown sugar, incense, sandalwood, and light nuttiness. The palate is elegantly complex: velvety rice sweetness meets umami and gentle saline undertones, framed by a firm yet graceful dryness that gives way to a sustained finish. Served at room temperature or slightly warmed, this Daiginjo reveals new subtleties with every sip. For pairings, it shines alongside full‑flavored, umami‑rich dishes—such as aged cheese, truffle‑infused mushroom risotto, grilled fatty fish, or lightly spiced curries—where its mature structure and refined dryness can complement rather than compete.
