| Brand | Nizawa |
| Region | Miyagi, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Yuzushu |
| ABV | 12% |
Product details
Niizawa Brewery, located in Miyagi Prefecture, has built its reputation on crafting what it calls the “ultimate food sake” — clean, balanced, and perfectly suited to elevate any meal. Their Hojun Yuzushu is a celebration of 100% Japanese-grown yuzu, using the entire fruit—peel, zest, and juice—harvested from the current year to capture peak freshness. Produced as a light nigori-style liqueur, it’s intentionally unfiltered and unpasteurized, allowing the bold, aromatic oils from the rind to shine through, while maintaining a lively, slightly cloudy appearance. This careful approach reflects Niizawa’s commitment to letting natural flavors lead, marrying traditional sake-making techniques with the bright character of citrus.
On the palate, Hojun Yuzu strikes a harmonious balance: vibrant citrus zest and bright grapefruit-like tang mingle with gentle sweetness, less cloying than many yuzu sakes on the market. At 12% ABV, it remains refreshingly light and lively — excellent served chilled on its own or over ice. It also lends zest and complexity to cocktails or sparkling pours. For food pairings, it beautifully complements seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp, cuts through richness in creamy cheeses, and brightens Asian-inspired fare such as tempura or yuzu-infused salads. Its sparkling acidity pairs wonderfully with citrus-based desserts like lemon tart or yuzu sorbet. To enjoy at its best, keep refrigerated between 1–5 °C and consume within a month of opening to preserve its fresh, nuanced aromatics.
