The best sake in Hong Kong
Time Out Hong Kong scopes out the best Japanese sakes in town
Ohmine Junmai Daiginjo
After a hiatus that lasted half a century, famed sake brewery Ohmine from Mine City, Yamaguchi, brings back the masterfully brewed Ohmine Junmai Daiginjo. The minimalistically bottled gem is brewed from the finest rice and Benten spring water, (also known as 'water for gods') to create a sweet and rich aroma of white peaches and orange blossom. Best paired with vanilla ice cream and sashimi.
$1500. sundaysgrocery.com.
Zankyo - Super 7 Junmai Daiginjo
Famous Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata is the man behind sake brand N. The sake enthusiast traded astroturf for rice fields and Super 7 is an homage to his football shirt number, as well as the fact that the black bottle contains a precious seven percent of premium rice polish. Infused with a fresh and elegant aroma of white flower and honey, the sake is sweet, with a rich aftertaste. Sample this tipple at Koko whilst kicking back on the garden terrace.
$4200
Dassai Sparkling 50 Junmai Daiginjo
$100, Shop 1041-1049, 1/F, IFC Mall, International Finance Ctr, 8 Finance St, Central, 2736 3866; citysuper.com.hk
Daishinshu Teippai Junmai Daiginjo
This sake is an aroma bomb exploding with tropical flavours and toasty grains. Brewed in Nagano, Daishinshu Teippai Junmai Daiginjo has a light yellowy-green hue thanks to citrus, crisp green apple and pineapple. With the added depth of sweet flavours like strawberry, watermelon and pear, get it online or head down to Aberdeen to taste if for yourself. We guarantee you’ll fall in love with it.
$458, 30/F, Hing Wai Ctr, 7 Tin Wan Praya Rd, Aberdeen, 2546 7628; cuvees.com
Ippakusuisei Premium Junmai Daiginjo
Hailing from the Fukurokuju Shuzo brewery, the unfiltered Ippakusuisei boasts a rich, fruity aroma and retains a strong umami flavour of Akita sake rice. The brewery is considered part of the NEXT5 breweries - a group of five young sake brewers that’ve teamed up to produce quality sake in the Akita prefecture. Try it chilled with sushi or sashimi for a refreshing experience.
$550, Liquid Gold, Shop OT 317A, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Kowloon, 2755 5868; liquidgold.com.hk
Four Fox Sake Junmai Daiginjo
With its streamline design, chrome coating and LED light, you would be forgiven for thinking this bottle was the latest Tesla creation, but rest assured we’re still talking about sake. Hailing from a 150-year-old brewery in Niigata, Four Fox Sake is extremely smooth and clean on the palate. Whether you sip it neat or mix it in cocktails, Four Fox pairs perfectly with sushi and sashimi as well as dim sum, prosciutto and hard cheeses such as comté. Be sure to make the most of that LED light when partying at night - it’s a showstopper.
$530, Available at various bars or order online at hkliquorstore.com