| Brand | Tsukinowa |
| Region | Iwate, Japan |
| Spirits Type | Sake |
| Spirits Style | Honjozo |
| ABV | 16.5% / Rice Polishing: 55% |
Product details
Tsukinowa Blue Hue Honjozo, also known as "Tsukinowa Kinen," is the flagship everyday sake of Tsukinowa Brewery, a family-run establishment in Iwate Prefecture with a legacy dating back to 1886. Under the leadership of toji Hiroko Yokozawa—one of Japan’s pioneering female brewmasters—the brewery blends centuries-old Nanbu-style brewing traditions with modern innovation. Tsukinowa employs extended koji propagation and traditional wooden vats for steaming rice, crafting sakes that are both approachable and deeply expressive. Blue Hue Honjozo is brewed using locally grown Hitomebore rice polished to 55%, fermented with the Yuko no Omoi yeast strain, and blended with a small amount of in-house distilled shochu, resulting in a sake that reflects both craftsmanship and sustainability.
This honjozo offers a clean, crisp aroma with notes of fresh apple and subtle floral sweetness. On the palate, it presents a medium body with mild fruitiness and a touch of umami, culminating in a smooth, full-bodied finish. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed chilled, at cellar temperature, or gently warmed, making it suitable for various occasions. Blue Hue Honjozo pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including shrimp wakame-udon, tempura softshell crab burgers with curried mayo, Margherita pizza, and chickpea hummus with pita.
