018 Hirotogawa Junmai Nigori Nama

The Matsuzaki Brewery in Fukushima Prefecture makes this super popular Junmai Nigori Nama, a creamy, unfiltered sake that sells out fast in Japan. The brewery, founded in 1892 near the clear Hirotogawa River, is now led by a young, award-winning chief brewer who lives by the motto "Technique comes first". This sake is made using local Yume no Kaori rice (polished to 60%) and a special brewing trick: after bottling, it goes through a secondary fermentation. This process creates a delightful, gentle fizz and a rich, creamy texture with delicate white peach and yogurt notes, keeping it balanced between sweet and acidic. Foodies love this lively, well-chilled sake because its bubbles and creamy body cut through richer foods like tempura, light fried dishes, or even Caprese salad.