October's sake bundle features the 2nd of 3 new breweries we'll be launching from September to November! Introducing the first brewery from the Miyagi prefecture in our portfolio - Zao.

Zao Shuzo is a sake brewery founded in 1873. The blessings of the land, such as subsoil water from the Zao Mountain Range and the cold wind from the Zao downwind help create their delicous sake. The brewery's current annual saké production is 800 koku. Known for brands such as "Zao" and "Zao Noboriryu," the brewery has been awarded Gold Prizes 29 times at the Annual Japan Saké Awards. Based on this number of awards, that ranks Zao Shuzo 11th nationwide.

1. Zao Daiginjo (U.P. $108): The brewery considers this sake as its best product. In addition to its gorgeous fruity aroma, you can enjoy a taste of condensed rice flavour and sweetness. It also has a lingering aftertaste. The long low-temperature aging process has locked in the beautiful sweetness of the koji inside the sake. This sake should be drunk moderately chilled in order to enjoy its ginjo aroma.
   
   
2. Zao Junmai Daiginjo Noburi-Ryu (U.P. $80): This Junmai Daiginjo has an elegant fruity aroma and a full-bodied flavour that spreads in the mouth, and has evolved every year since its launch in 2000. The design on the label was created by Isu Kikuta (late Edo period), one of the four great painters of Sendai. We recommend drinking it at room temperature or chilled. Even at room temperature, the aroma is not overpowering and can be changed depending on the food to be served with it, which is another charm of Ascending Dragon. In addition to light Japanese dishes, it goes well with rich dishes in general.

Balance of sweetness and acidity. It is a refreshing sake that goes well with appetizers like ham, carpaccio and salad. To be drunk chilled like Champagne. Served on first class of ANA.

Delicious tasting sparkling sake. The mineral rich water in Hida, Gifu combines very well with the bubbles to creates a very pleasant flavour.

• London Sake Challenge 2018 - Silver Medal
• Japan National Spring Liquor Competition 2018 - 1st Prize
• Japan National Liquor Competition 2016 - 1st Prize
• Japan National Liquor Competition 2015 - 1st Prize

This special sake rice is combined with Shizuku (drip sake) which is made from only drops by gravity from moromi (fermentation mush) in a hanged filter bag.

Packed in a beautiful wooden box, this Shizuku sake has an elegant fragrance and feminine, delicate taste. Fruity and floral with notes of peach, peach and lychee. Excellent balance between sweetness and acidity. It will leave you a clear, pleasant afterglow like melting-snow water with the silky, smooth superior texture.

• Fine Sake Awards 2021 - Gold
• IWC Sake 2020 - Silver