Kikusui Perfect Snow Nigori Sake, Japan

Snow-white in the glass, Kikusui Perfect Snow Nigori Sake has a decidedly bold personality. This sweet, full-bodied sake from Niigata combines the textured character of nigori with the undiluted strength of genshu, reaching 21% ABV while retaining a crisp finish. It is a substantial expression of sake with enough presence to accompany richly seasoned food.

Product Details:

• Base Ingredient: Rice
• Filtration: Coarsely filtered, retaining fine particles from the fermented rice mash, or moromi
• Dilution: No water added after brewing to reduce alcohol strength
• Acidity: 1.6, as reported by the distributor
• ABV: 21%
• Producer: Kikusui Sake Co., Ltd.
• Owner: Daisuke Takasawa
• Producer Team: Kikusui brewing team

Sensory Description:

Floral aromas introduce a generous palate with pronounced sweetness and a softly granular texture. Suspended rice particles give the sake its distinctive weight and mouthfeel, while steamed-rice flavors linger after each sip. The close is clean and lively, bringing definition to its richness.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold and 92 Points: Los Angeles International Wine Competition, 2023
• Silver, Sake Design: Los Angeles International Wine Competition, 2023
• Silver: TEXSOM International Wine Awards, 2023
• Silver: San Francisco International Wine Competition, 2019

Distiller's Background:

Founded in 1881 in Shibata, Niigata, Kikusui remains under Takasawa family leadership, with fifth-generation president Daisuke Takasawa guiding the company. Its name combines the Japanese words for chrysanthemum and water, drawing on a classical Noh story about life-giving chrysanthemum dew. The brewery balances traditional knowledge with research into brewing quality, sake culture and new ways to enjoy its products.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled in a small sake glass, or pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Pair with glazed spare ribs, yakitori, sushi or spicy Korean tofu stew. For a sparkling variation, follow the producer’s suggestion of two parts Perfect Snow to one part soda water over ice. Equal parts sake and chilled orange juice or milk offer other producer-recommended preparations.