Isojiman Bessen Honjozo "pride of the Seashore" Sake 720ml

Isojiman Bessen Honjozo "Pride of the Seashore" Sake 720mL 15-16% ABV - Premium honjozo from legendary Isojiman Shuzo brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture. Crafted with luxurious Hyogo A Grade Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 55% (far beyond typical honjozo standards), soft spring water from the Minami Alps, and proprietary house yeast. Isojiman's signature 72-hour koji development allows for incredible depth of flavor and defined structure. Light-bodied with silky texture and definitive clean finish perfect for food pairing, especially seafood. Complex aromas of steamed rice, chestnuts, white mushrooms, muscat grape, and mint. Flavors of candied nuts, dried tropical fruit, peach, sourdough toast, dried apple, rice crackers with ocean brine and umami. Not your everyday honjozo - this is an extremely suave, professional, category-defining brew. Smooth, layered, complex with mineral finish. Available now at Hi Proof Whisky & Spirits & Wine.

Tasting Notes:

Classification: Honjozo

ABV: 15-16%

Size: 720mL

Production Details:

• Brewery: Isojiman Shuzo, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Rice: Hyogo A Grade Yamada Nishiki, polished to 55% (exceptionally high polish for honjozo)
• Water: Soft spring water from the Minami Alps (Yamanashi Prefecture)
• Yeast: Proprietary Isojiman house yeast
• Koji Development: Full 72 hours (vs. standard 40 hours), allowing for incredible depth of flavor and defined structure
• Style: Honjozo with brewers alcohol added after pressing for stability

Appearance: Crystal clear with brilliant clarity, light-bodied and elegant.

Aroma: Solid collection of mineral, cherry, peach, and grapefruit with green bamboo and snowmelt aromas. Soft aromas of steamed rice and chestnuts dominate. White mushrooms, muscat grape, cream, melon, and mint add complexity. Ocean foam and coastal notes reflect the "Seashore Pride" character. Fresh and clean with inviting aromatics that open beautifully in a wine glass.

Palate: This is NOT your everyday honjozo. Where most honjozo are thin, linear, and uneventful, this is extremely suave and prideful - drinking very professionally. Smooth, layered, slippery, watery, and soft with remarkable complexity. Pure texture play carries fascinating flavors: peach, sourdough toast, dried apple rings, rice crackers with a heavy hand of umami and ocean brine licks. Candied nuts and dried tropical fruit provide sweetness. Silky texture contrasts beautifully with complexity of flavors. The 55% rice polish (far beyond typical honjozo at 70%) creates refinement and elegance. Light-bodied yet rich with grainy goodness and layered depth. Opens up significantly as the fluid warms, revealing new dimensions.

Finish: Definitive clean finish with dry character. Mineral and peppery notes provide structure. Quick finish that appeals to both dry sake lovers and those who prefer rounder profiles. The addition of brewers alcohol ensures stability and allows the sake to remain fresh for several weeks after opening.