Houhai Junmai

ABOUT

The Houhai Junmai is the foundational expression of the Houhai range — a pure-rice sake brewed exclusively from Houhai-mai, the sake rice that Miura Shuzo alone cultivates under exclusive contract in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Houhai-mai was developed in 1976 specifically to thrive in Aomori's cold climate and produce sake that expresses the terroir of Tsugaru. Because the rice is milled in-house and the brewing is carried out in small, carefully managed batches by the fifth-generation Miura brothers themselves, each bottle reflects an

exceptional degree of personal craft and intention. The Houhai Junmai sits at the heart of a range that spans from Junmai through Junmai Ginjo and Junmai Daiginjo expressions, all built on the same exclusive rice and Mt. Iwaki spring water foundation. The striking dark green label with white wave calligraphy and the "Houhai / Junmai" bilingual branding reflects the brewery's blend of deep local tradition and a modern, internationally minded presentation.

AROMA & TASTE

The brewery's own description of the ideal Houhai character is "fresh, plenty of honey, a faint acid, like a Tsugaru apple" — and this Junmai delivers exactly that. On the nose, gentle and inviting: soft honey, steamed rice, and the characteristic mild apple-like fruitiness of Tsugaru. On the palate, round and full-bodied with a warm rice umami that is characteristic of junmai-grade sake, carrying the natural depth of Houhai-mai. The acidity is faint and harmonious, providing balance without sharpness. The finish is clean and satisfying. Extremely versatile across temperatures — excellent

chilled, at room temperature, or warmed as kanzake, where the honey and rice character deepen beautifully. Pairs well with all styles of Japanese cuisine, particularly dishes from the Tohoku and Tsugaru traditions: grilled seafood, simmered root vegetables, miso-based dishes, and jizakana fish.