Imayotsukasa Niigatashupoppo

Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery, founded in 1767 in Niigata City and the closest brewery to Niigata Station, converted its entire production to 100% junmai in 2006, a rare declaration of principle in a region where honjozo has long been celebrated. The Niigatashupoppo, named for the steam locomotive that once linked Niigata to the rest of Japan, is the brewery's celebratory expression: a champagne-style nigori brewed from Gohyakumangoku rice with a bright, fresh, lightly fizzy character. Mild ginjo aroma, banana and pear on the palate, soft acidity, and a clean finish make it an accessible and distinctly joyful sake.