Mana 1751 'True Vision' Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Genshu Sake, Japan

Earthy mushroom, steamed rice, preserved lemon, and roasted grain rise from the glass with remarkable depth and savory intensity. Mana 1751 'True Vision' Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Genshu is crafted through one of sake brewing’s most demanding traditional methods, where the labor-intensive yamahai starter allows naturally occurring lactic acid development to unfold slowly over time. Bottled undiluted and without charcoal filtration, the sake preserves its full texture, aromatic breadth, and layered umami character, offering a deeply expressive interpretation of artisanal Fukui sake.

Product Details:

• Producer: Manatsuru Brewery
• Owner & Toji: Keisuke Izumi
• Classification: Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Genshu
• Rice Variety: Gohyakumangoku
• Rice Polishing: 60% Seimaibuai
• Brewing Style: Traditional yamahai fermentation
• Production Method: Muroka genshu, bottled without dilution or charcoal filtration
• Water Source: Natural Fukui spring water
• Fermentation: Slow natural lactic acid starter cultivation using the yamahai method
• Bottling: Single-tank bottling
• Sake Meter Value: +3.5
• ABV: 16.5%
• Production: Approximately 200 koku annually

Sensory Description:

The aromatics unfold gradually with notes of forest floor, tart yogurt, mushroom, burnt rice, banana skin, and citrus peel layered over subtle floral lift. The palate is broad, velvety, and deeply savory, carrying roasted grain, umami richness, and creamy lactic texture shaped by the extended yamahai fermentation process. Because the sake is bottled as genshu without dilution, the structure remains concentrated and expansive, while the muroka approach preserves earthy nuance and textural weight often softened by charcoal filtration. Beneath the savory depth are quieter notes of browned butter, maple, toasted nuts, and warm grain that emerge with air and temperature. The finish remains long, resonant, and remarkably polished despite the sake’s immense intensity.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold: TEXSOM International Wine Awards 2026
• Silver: TEXSOM International Wine Awards 2021

Producer’s Background:

Founded in 1751 in Fukui Prefecture, Manatsuru Brewery operates on an exceptionally small scale under the direction of owner and toji Keisuke Izumi. Producing only limited quantities annually, the kura has become internationally respected for highly individualistic sake rooted in traditional brewing methods and minimal intervention philosophy. Izumi-san is particularly known for embracing labor-intensive yamahai fermentation, single-tank bottlings, and expressive muroka genshu styles that prioritize texture, depth, and individuality over technical uniformity. His philosophy emphasizes authenticity and singularity, reflected in the brewery’s often-quoted belief that it is better to be the only one than the number one.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled or gently warmed at 10 to 16 degrees Celsius in a wide sake glass, small Burgundy stem, or traditional ochoko to highlight the sake’s layered aromatics and savory texture. Pair with roasted duck, pork adobo, lamb, grilled mushrooms, aged cheeses, miso-rich dishes, braised meats, or richly textured seafood preparations. Gentle warming particularly accentuates the sake’s earthy umami depth and creamy lactic complexity.