Jozen Josui Junmai Ginjo

The Jozen Josui sake first hit the shelves in 1990, launched by the same Niigata Shirataki Sake Brewery brand that first founded in the second year of Ansei (1855). The sake quickly gained immense popularity among sake beginners and the younger generation for its light taste and the simple packaging, a style that was still less common at the time. Today the same label sees a widespread following, sold in some 30 countries worldwide.

The key to its flavor is the water used in brewing. The abundant snowfall in the Echigo-Yuzawa region, one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas, melts in the spring and becomes groundwater over about 50 years. The brewery draws from these snowmelts via the three different wells on the brewery grounds. True to its name, it offers a water-like smoothness and the rich sweet flavor that sake-fans know and expect from a Junmai Ginjo bottle.

The flavor profile is mellow and sought out for its easy pairing with a full range of Japanese and global cuisines. With clear bottle and minimal, stylish design, the label also serves as an easy shoe-in for gifts. Besides the basic Junmai Ginjo, the lineup includes a variety of unique options like unpasteurized sake (Nama-sake), Junmai Daiginjo, and sparkling sake.