Seafood Lovers' Guide to 3 Must-Try Summer Sakes
Hello! I’m Seo, your Sake Diploma guide for July.
Every year, the arrival of summer sake is something we eagerly anticipate.
Although there is no official definition, summer sakes are typically brewed with the warmer months in mind, offering crisp, refreshing flavours and effortless drinkability. Some are even made with a lower alcohol content, making them ideal for leisurely summer sipping.
This month, Diploma's Seo has selected three exceptional bottles from Akita Seishu that are perfect for the season. Discover your new summer favourite below.
＊ Summer in Japan, winter in Australia — but sake tastes good anywhere.Experience a taste of Japanese culture!
▶ Highlights
- Perfect with Seafood: Marlin Label
- Back for Another Summer: Summer Yamato
- A Must-Try for Oyster Lovers
(1) Dewatsuru Junmai Daiginjo MARRIN
Shipping: Japan, Australia, Taiwan
Rice Variety: Yamadanishiki
Rice Polishing Ratio: 50%
A Marlin Label Made for Big Seafood Pairings
Tsukiji is home to many shops handling “big catches” such as marlin and tuna.
This sake offers a clean, refreshing umami that pairs beautifully with seafood — making it dangerously easy to keep reaching for another glass…
(2) Yamatoshizuku Summer Yamato Junmai Sake
Shipping: Japan, Australia, Taiwan
Rice Variety: Miyamanishiki
Rice Polishing Ratio: 70%
Back Again This Year: A Fresh Summer Junmai Sake
Bottled immediately after pressing to preserve its vibrant, fresh character, this summer sake captures the lively essence of the season.
Of the three featured bottles, this is the lightest in style, offering gentle acidity and a clean, refreshing umami that makes it especially easy to drink.
(3) Kariho Junmai Sake Rock Oyster Lovers 720ml
Shipping: Japan, Australia, Taiwan
Rice: Ginsan / Misatonishiki / Akita Sake Komachi
Polishing Ratio: 60%
A Summer Recommendation: A Sake Made for Rock Oysters
Inspired by a deep passion for rock oysters, the brewery worked closely with oyster experts to craft a junmai sake dedicated to oyster lovers.
While winter is the season for Pacific oysters, summer belongs to rock oysters. Tsukiji also offers excellent fresh oysters, making this the perfect pairing to try in-store.
Brewery Information
Daisen City, Akita Prefecture — Akita Seishu Co., Ltd. (Established 1865)
Founded in 1865 as “Yamato Sake Brewery” by Jushirō Itō, the 12th head of the Itō family.
Today, the company operates two distinct breweries — Dewatsuru Brewery and Kariho Brewery — each with its own unique approach to sake production.
At Dewatsuru Brewery, sake is crafted using the traditional Akita-style kimoto method, while Kariho Brewery specialises in the more robust yamahai method.
The yamahai method is a traditional fermentation style that allows natural lactic acid development, resulting in a richer, more complex and fuller-bodied sake.
＼Try a Variety First／
This selection features Akita local sakes we highly recommend for summer. We encourage you to explore different styles and find the sake that best suits your taste.
＼Monthly Sake Recommendations／
Every month, Uchida and Seo from Diploma share their top sake picks, curated around a specific theme!
See Diploma’s recommended articles here
＼Available Online & In-Store／
At Tabitebako stores, we always stock over 50 types of sake and more than 10 island craft beers! On our EC site, we deliver carefully selected popular sakes, with shipping available to Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. If you’re visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji area, be sure to stop by the store and explore in person!
🗾 Store Map
Author: Seo, Sake Diploma
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