Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. It has a long history and culture, and it is enjoyed by many people around the world. But did you know that some sake can cost a fortune? In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the most expensive sake bottles that you should try once in your life if you have the budget and the opportunity.
Isojiman | Up to ¥9.3 million ($85,000)
Isojiman is another famous and prestigious sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Isojiman Shuzo, a brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture that has been making sake since 1830. Isojiman is characterized by its rich and complex flavor, full-bodied and smooth texture, and long and lingering finish. The rice used for Isojiman is also polished down to a very low percentage, and the water used for brewing is sourced from the nearby Ohi River, which is known for its high mineral content and purity. Isojiman is also very limited in production and distribution, and it is often reserved for special occasions and VIP customers. The most expensive Isojiman bottle was sold for a whopping ¥9.3 million ($85,000) at an auction in 2015. It was a rare vintage bottle from 1978, and it was considered to be one of the best sake ever made.
Juyondai | Up to ¥400,000 ($3,650)
Juyondai is one of the most popular and sought-after sake brands in Japan. It is produced by Takagi Shuzo, a brewery in Yamagata Prefecture that has been making sake since 1615. Juyondai is known for its fruity and floral aroma, smooth and elegant taste, and delicate balance of sweetness and acidity. The rice used for Juyondai is polished down to 23% or less of its original size, which means that only the purest and finest part of the rice is used for fermentation. Juyondai is very limited in production and distribution, and it is often sold out as soon as it is released. The most expensive Juyondai bottle can cost up to ¥400,000 ($3,650), depending on the type and vintage.
Hiroki | ¥108,000 ($985)
Hiroki is a relatively new and rising sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Hiroki Shuzo, a brewery in Fukushima Prefecture that was established in 1995. Hiroki is praised for its fresh and fruity aroma, crisp and clean taste, and refreshing and balanced aftertaste. The rice used for Hiroki is grown in the same region as the brewery, and it is carefully selected and polished to achieve the optimal quality and flavor. Hiroki is also brewed with natural yeast and spring water, and it is aged for a long time to enhance its depth and complexity. Hiroki is not as limited as Juyondai or Isojiman, but it is still very rare and hard to find. The most expensive Hiroki bottle costs ¥108,000 ($985), and it is a junmai daiginjo, which is the highest grade of sake.
Kukurihime | ¥50,000 ($456)
Kukurihime is a unique and distinctive sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Kikuhime, a brewery in Ishikawa Prefecture that has been making sake since 1804. Kukurihime is different from other sake brands because it is not filtered, and it is poured into a special pottery bottle without any additives or preservatives. The result is a sake that has a natural and rustic appearance, aroma, and taste. Kukurihime is also aged for more than 10 years, which gives it a mellow and mature flavor. Kukurihime is so special that it was once presented to the Pope as a gift. The most expensive Kukurihime bottle costs ¥50,000 ($456), and it is a junmai, which is pure rice sake.
Sansensomoku Junmaiginjo Seisei | ¥45,000 ($410)
Sansensomoku Junmaiginjo Seisei is a rare and exquisite sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Sudohonke, a brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture that has been making sake since 1141. Sansensomoku Junmaiginjo Seisei is made from wild rice that is grown naturally and organically, without any pesticides or fertilizers. The rice is also polished down to 35% of its original size, which is very low for a junmai ginjo, which is a high grade of sake. The sake is brewed with natural yeast and spring water, and it is not filtered or pasteurized. The result is a sake that has a pure and authentic flavor, with a crisp and dry taste and a smooth and silky texture. Sansensomoku Junmaiginjo Seisei is very limited in quantity, and it is only released once or twice a year. The most expensive Sansensomoku Junmaiginjo Seisei bottle costs ¥45,000 ($410).
Marebito | ¥40,000 ($365)
Marebito is a modern and innovative sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Nakamura Shuzo, a brewery in Ishikawa Prefecture that was established in 1804. Marebito is made from a special rice variety called Mikohara, which is normally used for eating, not for brewing. The rice is polished down to 65% of its original size, which is relatively high for a junmai, which is pure rice sake. The sake is also brewed with natural yeast and spring water, and it is not filtered or pasteurized. The result is a sake that has a unique and individual flavor, with a fruity and floral aroma and a refreshing and smooth taste. Marebito is also aged for a long time, which gives it a deeper and more complex flavor. Marebito is not as limited as other sake brands, but it is still very rare and hard to find. The most expensive Marebito bottle costs ¥40,000 ($365).
Tatsuriki Kome-no-Ssayaki Akitsu Junmai Daiginjo | ¥35,000 ($319)
Tatsuriki Kome-no-Ssayaki Akitsu Junmai Daiginjo is a premium and elegant sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Honda Shoten, a brewery in Hyogo Prefecture that has been making sake since 1921. Tatsuriki Kome-no-Ssayaki Akitsu Junmai Daiginjo is made from Yamada Nishiki, which is the most famous and highest quality rice for sake brewing. The rice is grown in a special area called Akitsu, which is known for its fertile soil and pure water. The rice is also polished down to 35% of its original size, which is very low for a junmai daiginjo, which is the highest grade of sake. The sake is brewed with natural yeast and spring water, and it is aged for a long time to achieve the ultimate smoothness and refinement. Tatsuriki Kome-no-Ssayaki Akitsu Junmai Daiginjo is a sake that you can enjoy with any kind of food, as it has a harmonious and balanced flavor. The most expensive Tatsuriki Kome-no-Ssayaki Akitsu Junmai Daiginjo bottle costs ¥35,000 ($319).
Dassai Migaki Sonosakie | ¥30,000 ($274)
Dassai Migaki Sonosakie is a popular and prestigious sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Asahi Shuzo, a brewery in Yamaguchi Prefecture that has been making sake since 1948. Dassai Migaki Sonosakie is made from Yamada Nishiki, which is the most famous and highest quality rice for sake brewing. The rice is polished down to 23% of its original size, which is the lowest percentage in the world. The sake is brewed with natural yeast and spring water, and it is filtered and pasteurized. The result is a sake that has a delicate and elegant flavor, with a fruity and floral aroma and a smooth and silky taste. Dassai Migaki Sonosakie is a sake that you can drink on any occasion, as it has a versatile and pleasant flavor. The most expensive Dassai Migaki Sonosakie bottle costs ¥30,000 ($274).
Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto | ¥25,000 ($228)
Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto is a traditional and authentic sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Kurosawa Shuzo, a brewery in Nagano Prefecture that has been making sake since 1858. Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto is made from a local rice variety called Miyama Nishiki, which is grown in the highlands of Nagano. The rice is polished down to 65% of its original size, which is relatively high for a junmai, which is pure rice sake. The sake is brewed with a special method called kimoto, which is an ancient and labor-intensive technique that involves creating a natural yeast starter by mixing rice, water, and koji (rice mold) by hand. The sake is also aged for a long time, which gives it a rich and complex flavor. Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto is a sake that has a strong and bold flavor, with a nutty and earthy aroma and a dry and sharp taste. Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto is a sake that you can enjoy with hearty and spicy dishes, as it has a robust and powerful flavor.
Denshu | ¥20,000 ($182)
Denshu is a legendary and exclusive sake brand in Japan. It is produced by Nishida Shuzo, a brewery in Aomori Prefecture that has been making sake since 1878. Denshu is made from a local rice variety called Hanafubuki, which is grown in the same region as the brewery. The rice is polished down to 50% of its original size, which is low for a junmai, which is a pure rice sake. The sake is brewed with natural yeast and spring water, and it is filtered and pasteurized. The result is a sake that has a sublime and refined flavor, with a fruity and floral aroma and a smooth and mellow taste. Denshu is a sake that you can drink on its own, as it has a delicate and elegant flavor. Denshu is so rare and coveted that it is only sold to a select few customers, and it is often called the “phantom sake” because of its scarcity and mystery. The most expensive Denshu bottle costs ¥20,000 ($182).
There you have it, 10 of the most expensive sake bottles that you should try once in your life. Of course, many other sake brands are also worth trying, and the price is not the only factor that determines the quality and taste of sake. The best way to enjoy sake is to find the one that suits your preference and occasion and to drink it with respect and appreciation. Cheers! 🍶
