$100.00
History of brewery:
- Founded in 1819, still family owned and operated by 12th generation owner and brewer.
- The brewery had a 20-year hiatus in the late 1980’s but the 12th generation owner, Yashuhiro Harada, famous as a highly awarded kiki-sake shi (sake sommelier), was encouraged by his friends to restart the brewery in 2004 focusing on making sake that reflects the local terroir.
- The brewery appointed its first female Toji (head brewer), Mie Abe, in 2022. Of the brewery’s 8 staff, 5 members are female.
Points of differentiation:
- Bordeaux blend concept: Harada Gengetsu is is a blend of two rice varieties, Yamada Nishiki and Saito-no-Shizuku. Yamada Nishiki is the Cab Sauv equivalent, bringing muscle and power, whereas local Yamaguchi rice Saito-no-Shizuku is like the Merlot foil, giving fresh acidity and roundness to create an even-keeled profile.
- The Harada Gengetsu Junmai Daiginjo is unfiltered (muroka) and undiluted (genshu), giving it greater concentration and complexity.
- Temperature controlled brewery facilities allow for consistent year-round brewing.
Tasting comment:
Bright aromas of muscat and Chinese quince with dense fruit nectar give this sake its lustrous, syrupy profile. Distinctively juicy with elegant acidity, like green apples or Japanese pears, with a well-rounded body and concentrated umami, all in perfect harmony. Enjoy as an aperitif, with food or even as a digestif, an all-rounder to enjoy at a leisurely pace.
roducer: Hatsumomiji (株式会社はつもみぢ)
Location: Yamaguchi Prefecture
Rice: Koji: Yamada Nishiki, Kake: Saito-no-Shizuku
Rice polished to 40%
Alcohol: 16% /
Yeast: Kyokai 1801, Yamaguchi 901 /
Acidity: 1.6 /
SMV: -4
