| Brand | Toyo Bijin |
| Region | Yamaguchi, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Junmai Ginjo |
| ABV | 15% abv / Rice Polishing: 55% |
Product details
Toyo Bijin — literally “Asian Beauty” — is a signature sake from Sumikawa Shuzō of Yamaguchi Prefecture, crafted in honor of the brewer’s late wife by the founder himself. The Super Dry Junmai Ginjo known as “Okarakuchi” is made exclusively from premium Yamada‑Nishiki rice polished down to 55 %, employing house yeast and pristine water sourced locally. With an alcohol content around 15 % and an SMV of +15, this sake marks a bold shift from the richer, fuller styles Sumikawa-san typically produces, revealing a crisp, bone‑dry character that still retains a gentle umami backbone.
On the nose, fresh tropical aromas—think honeydew melon and banana—open the experience, then give way to a razor‑sharp, spice‑tinged finish redolent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These layered tasting notes create a harmonious interplay between vibrant fruitiness and a distinctly dry mid‑palate, reminiscent of a refined dry martini. The sake is ideally enjoyed chilled, around 10 °C (50 °F), to preserve its aromatic brightness. It excels when paired with rich, flavorful dishes—otoro sashimi, tonkotsu ramen, roast pork loin—or fatty foods where its crispness can cut through the fat and cleanse the palate.
