| Brand | Sho Chiku Bai |
| Region | Berkeley, California, USA |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Nigori |
| ABV | 15% / Rice Polishing: 70% |
Product details
The story of the brand is one of tradition meeting modern expression. As a venerable name rooted in Japanese heritage and carried into the U.S. market by the company that established a California operation in the early 1950s, the brand has long embraced the concept of accessible quality and authentic character. In this edition, the makers chose a milky-white, coarsely-filtered form that retains a gentle creamy texture, and uses California-grown Calrose rice and careful production to deliver a slightly less sweet, more balanced version of the style. The result is a product that stands out for its approachable richness yet mindful restraint—intended to bridge traditional roots and contemporary palates.
On the palate, the experience begins with inviting aromas of ripe melon, marshmallow and fresh cream. Its texture is smooth and wholesome, rolling gently across the tongue before opening into vanilla ice-cream and melon flavours. The finish shifts toward savory nuance, with a subtle hint of salt and spice that adds complexity without disrupting the creamy character. This makes it a wonderful companion for dishes with bold flavour — think spicy Indian curries, Thai coconut-based soups, macadamia-nut-crusted mahi mahi or steamed cod finished with miso glaze — it stands up beautifully to rich or vibrant cuisine while maintaining a light-hearted elegance.
