Kikusui Karakuchi Dry Sake, Japan

Kikusui Karakuchi Dry Sake is the most popular dry sake in Japan from the renowned Kikusui brewery. Crafted in the Honjozo style, this sake delivers a compelling balance of crisp dryness and smooth drinkability. Made using 100% premium Japanese rice from the famed Niigata Prefecture—an area celebrated for its pristine water and world-class rice cultivation—this versatile sake is a staple for both casual sipping and food pairing.

Product Details:

• Sake Type: Honjozo
• Region: Niigata, Japan
• Alcohol: 15%
• Rice Polishing Ratio: 70%

Sensory Description:

Bright and precise on the palate, Kikusui Karakuchi opens with a silky texture and a clean, bone-dry finish. Subtle aromas of steamed rice and toasted grains give way to an elegantly structured profile, with a gentle umami undertone. Served chilled, it highlights its crisp minerality and soft acidity, while warming it reveals deeper creaminess and a mellow dry tone that enhances food pairings.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver Medal – 2017 Los Angeles International Wine Competition (Non-Vintage)

Producer's Background:

Founded in 1881 in the heart of Niigata, Kikusui is one of Japan’s most respected sake producers. With over a century of brewing tradition, the family-owned brewery emphasizes sustainable agriculture, local ingredients, and the preservation of Japanese sake culture. The Kikusui Institute for Sake Culture embodies their commitment to craftsmanship, health, and spiritual enrichment through fermentation and tradition.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed chilled or gently warmed. Ideal alongside grilled foods, especially yakitori, miso-glazed eggplant, or chargrilled seafood. Its clean dryness also makes it a great companion to sushi, sashimi, or fried dishes. Recommended serving temperature: chilled to warm (10–45°C), depending on preference.

Whether enjoyed alone or with food, Kikusui Karakuchi Dry Sake is a benchmark of quality and balance in Honjozo-style sake, offering a refined yet approachable experience for every sake lover.