Hamakawa Shoten, Sake Junmai, Bijofu The Gentleman

Currently run by the fifth generation of the family, Hamakawa is uniquely situated in Kochi, atop an underground stream carrying pure water from a nearby mountain, providing the pure, soft water for their sakes. The long, cooler fermentation produces a fine, energetic sake, the Junmai carrying hints of tropical fruits and mint, with a clean and rather dry finish.