Amabuki Shuzo, Junmai "Rose" Sake 'Gin No Kurenai', NV (720ml)

Amabuki Brewery in Saga Prefecture is known for pushing sake in creative, terroir-driven directions—using not just unique rice strains, but also wild flower yeasts to craft singular, expressive brews. Their ‘Gin No Kurenai’ is one of the most striking: a dry Junmai sake made from ancient red rice (Asamurasaki) and fermented with hibiscus flower yeast, resulting in its vivid, natural pink hue.

Despite its playful appearance, this is not a sweet sake. It’s clean, lightly savory, and refreshingly dry, with notes of cranberry, rhubarb, rose petals, and soft umami undertones. There’s a delicate acidity here—uncommon in sake—that gives the brew a faintly tart edge and makes it particularly food-friendly.

Best served chilled and treated more like a dry rosé or pét-nat than a traditional sake. It’s a perfect match for fresh spring dishes, seafood, or even richer, earthy fare like grilled mushrooms.

Pair with: tuna sashimi, beet salad, or soft cheeses with fruit.