Akabu Junmai Ginjo Summer Release 2026 "Hisui"

The nose on this seasonally released sake is a fresh collection of mango, pear, jasmine, strawberry, grapefruit, lemon peel, and rainwater aromas. Not all summer sakes are “nama” or unpasteurized. Some breweries release lightly pasteurized and lower ABV brews to achieve that light and bright high quality refreshing brews. This Hisui is all that! It’s pasteurized for stability, and has a 13% ABV that drinks soft, smooth, round, watery, clean, silky, and a little juicy with a quick, uplifting, and crisp umami finish. Best of all, this brew drinks with refreshing confidence and is totally Akabu. Look for peach, crisp pear, lemon, powdered sugar, tangerine, Mandarin orange, cucumber, and honeydew melon flavors that flow through the palate. Milled to 50%, this is technically a Daiginjo, but we just call it cool summer sake. WORD: Smooth WINE: Velvety Reds/Citrusy Whites BEER: Hefeweizen FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, crab, shrimp, lobster, oysters, grilled fish and chicken. (2024) ~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~ The nose on this summer released seasonal brew is a gentle collection of white grape, Fuji apple, white grape, cucumber, watermelon, peach, and sweet rice aromas. What a cool bottle and label, and it drinks as cool as it looks! Light, smooth, silky, round, with a little weight to the fluid, and a “baby” shibumi, this Nama feels great in the palate. With a low 13% ABV, look for a vast array of flavors like watermelon, blueberry, papaya, tangerine, mochi, sugar cane, blood orange, SweeTARTS™, and fresh pomegranate. This “Hisui” is a fan favorite for such amazing feelings and flavors. Well done Akabu! WORD: Cool WINE: Beaujolais/Fruity Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, crab, avocado salad, shrimp cocktail, summer charcuterie, and oysters. (2023)