Kubota Manju: A Premium Line for Special Moments

1. Kubota Manju: Over 30 Years of Beloved "Harmonious Depth of Flavor and Aroma" - 720ml, ¥3,640 (excluding tax)
Launched in 1986, Kubota Manju is a Junmai Daiginjo sake that offers a complex and deep palate, blending a gorgeous aroma with a rich flavor. Its mellow texture, born from the koji, harmonizes with umami, sweetness, and acidity, creating a pleasant lingering finish that enhances any special occasion. It pairs exquisitely with dishes that highlight its refined umami, elevating both the food and the sake for a truly memorable experience.

2. Kubota Manju Jikōmo Shikomi: The Pinnacle of Sake Brewing, Featuring Sake Rice, Polishing Method, and In-House Yeast - 720ml, ¥10,000 (excluding tax)
Kubota Manju Jikōmo Shikomi, released in limited quantities this May, is crafted using 100% Gohyakumangoku sake rice from the Koshiji region of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, with the brewery staff actively involved in its production. The rice is polished for twice the usual time (100 hours) using a method called "genkei seimai" (whole grain polishing) to achieve an extreme level of refinement. By carefully selecting only yeasts that naturally emerged from thousands of strains and enhance a clean aroma, this sake achieves an unprecedented elegant and profound flavor profile.

■ Retailer List
https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/shop/index.html

■ Asahi Shuzo Official Online Shop
https://www.asahi-shuzo-online.jp/

Sharing Moments Together: New Ways to Enjoy Sake

1. Sake Cocktails: A Touch of Everyday Ingredients
Sake cocktails have long been popular overseas, often surpassing their popularity in Japan. Among these, a sake highball mixed with tonic water is a great recommendation, even for those who don't typically drink sake.

To make it, pour 80ml of Kubota Senju Junmai Ginjo—known for its smooth texture and dry finish—into a glass with ice. Stir gently until the ice slightly melts and the aroma of Kubota begins to waft. Then, add 80-160ml of tonic water. For an enhanced experience, add a sprig of lightly toasted rosemary, red pepper, cloves, lemon, or lime to your preference, and enjoy a bar-like atmosphere at home. It's perfect for enjoying with meals or during after-dinner relaxation.
https://magazine.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/enjoy/68

2. Simple Drizzles: "Arranged Desserts" with Sake at Home
With summer heat already upon us and many regions experiencing temperatures above 30°C, ice cream is a welcome treat. Here, we introduce an easy "arranged dessert" that combines store-bought ice cream with sake, enjoyable for both sake enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Our top recommendation is "Vanilla Ice Sake," made by simply pouring sake over vanilla ice cream. The key is to choose the right ice cream: a refreshing type or a rich type, depending on the milk fat content*. Light-bodied sake pairs best with refreshing ice cream, while full-bodied sake complements richer varieties.

For example, Kubota Junmai Daiginjo, with its fragrant aroma and subtle sweetness, has a robust flavor. When paired with a rich vanilla ice cream, it enhances the creaminess and transforms its vibrant aroma into a mellow, elegant scent. Why not enjoy this dessert with your family after dinner?
https://magazine.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/enjoy/67

*Generally classified as follows:
＜Rich Type＞
・Ice Cream: Contains 15.0% or more milk solids (of which 8.0% or more is milk fat)
・Ice Milk: Contains 10.0% or more milk solids (of which 3.0% or more is milk fat)
＜Refreshing Type＞
・Lacto Ice: Contains 3.0% or more milk solids
・Sherbet: Milk solids content lower than Lacto Ice