Mukai Shuzo 'Inemankai' Sake 720ml Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan

Murasaki and Iwai Rice

One of the most unique sake made anywhere. The Ine Mankai from Mukai Shuzo is made with an ancient strain of red rice called Murasaki along with local Kyoto rice Iwai. In Japan, red rice has been cultivated and used for traditional celebrations in provincial villages and towns for centuries, but it is extremely rare to see red rice used in the production of sake. While studying fermentation and brewing techniques at Tokyo’s Nodai University, Kuniko Mukai met Professor Takeda who encouraged her to create a sake made from the red rice he knew grew locally in Kuniko's hometown of Ine. Professor Takeda also emphasised that the most important thing in sake brewing is the balance of flavours, with sweetness and acidity in harmony. ⁠

Thus Kuniko went away and began to formulate ideas for this perfectly balanced sake. In early 2000 Kuniko launched her red rice sake and called it 'Ine Mankai' meaning ‘Ine in Full Bloom’ and its well balanced levels of sweetness & acidity make it perfect for drinking with a wide variety of food. It has a complex cherry & vanilla aroma with unique sweet/tart cherry & pomegranate flavors and a savory, umami rich palate that works equally well with savory dishes as well as sweet.

Try pairing with a piece of fine dark chocolate!⁠

Junmai - Pure Rice Sake
Genshu - Undiluted

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