Hello! I’m Seo, your Sake Diploma guide for November.
At Tabibako, we offer a wide selection of delicious sake at affordable prices, with most bottles priced in the ¥2,000 range. This time, we’ve selected three slightly more premium bottles in the ¥3,000 range – perfect for treating yourself or giving as a thoughtful gift!
The price of sake can vary depending on several factors, including how much the rice is polished, the quality of the rice used and the brewing process. For example, Junmai Daiginjo sake, which often requires extra care and time to produce, and sake made with high-quality, premium sake rice tend to come at a higher price.
These three selections are all about taking your time to appreciate the delicate aromas and unique character of each sake. They’re wonderful with food, too, but we especially recommend pouring them into a wine glass to fully enjoy their aromas and flavours.
Sharing drinks and laughter with friends at an izakaya is always a pleasure, but there’s something special about slowing down at home and enjoying a good bottle with family or friends.
Why not make your next get-together a little more special with one of these premium sake selections? They also make lovely gifts for someone special.
▶ Highlights
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A Tabibako bestseller! A Junmai Daiginjo with a beautifully fragrant aroma.
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A new release made with premium-quality “Tokutō Omachi” rice.
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A local sake from Misato, Akita, brewed using lavender yeast.
(1) Egaohyakuyaku Junmai Daiginjo
Shipping: Japan
Rice Variety: Iwai, Matsuribare
Rice Polishing Ratio: 50%
＜A Tabibako Favourite! A Fragrant Junmai Daiginjo＞
The name “Egao Hyakuyaku” reflects the brewer’s wish to create a sake that brings smiles to people’s faces. It has a wonderfully fragrant aroma and a beautiful balance of flavours.
Enjoy its fruity character and smooth, gently sweet taste. We recommend serving it in a wine glass after a meal to fully appreciate its aroma and flavour.
Available exclusively in Japan.
(2) Gozenshu 1859 Special Grade Omachi Rice
Shipping: Japan
Rice Variety: Premium Tokutō Omachi Rice from Okayama Prefecture
Rice Polishing Ratio: 65%
Made with Premium “Tokutō Omachi” Rice!
This sake is part of the “Gozenshu 1859” series, made with the same rice polishing ratio as the regular range, but using premium-grade “Tokutō Omachi” rice.
The rice is polished to 65%, leaving plenty of its natural character and flavour intact. Rather than polishing the rice too much, the brewer focuses on bringing out its natural richness and unique qualities.
Japanese sake rice is graded according to quality. “Tokutō” is a special grade awarded to rice that meets particularly strict quality standards.
Rather than focusing on the Junmai Daiginjo label, this sake is all about making the most of the quality of its rice. Try comparing it with other bottles from the regular 1859 series to discover the difference in flavour.
A wonderful opportunity to experience the distinctive character and depth of Omachi rice.
Take a closer look at the rice behind this sake and enjoy every sip!
Available exclusively in Japan.
(3) Misato Sekka Junmai Daiginjo – Lavender Yeast
Shipping: Japan, Australia, Taiwan
Rice: Misatonishiki
Polishing Ratio: 38%
An Elegant Junmai Daiginjo Born from Akita’s Lavender Fields
This Junmai Daiginjo is brewed using natural yeast collected from lavender grown in the beautiful natural surroundings of Misato, Akita Prefecture.
The brewing water comes from “Hōmon Shimizu”, a cherished water source at the brewery and part of the Rokugō Spring Water Group, recognised as one of Japan’s 100 most celebrated water sources. Carefully selected sake rice and locally sourced natural yeast come together to create a sake with a truly distinctive character.
As its name “Misato Yukihana” (Snow Flower) suggests, this sake has a beautifully pure and delicate character. The lavender yeast gives it an elegant floral aroma, followed by a light, smooth taste and a graceful, lingering finish.
Best enjoyed chilled, it pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine as well as Western dishes that highlight the natural flavours of their ingredients.
Our pairing recommendation: White fish sashimi is an especially wonderful match!
＼Explore and Find Your Favourite!／
This time, we’ve selected a range of slightly more premium sake bottles for you to enjoy as a special treat!
Japanese sake comes in many different styles, each with its own unique aroma, flavour and texture. Why not try a few different varieties and discover the one you love most?
＼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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