Nabeshima Junmai Daiginjo

Polished to 35% — well beyond the 50% ceiling that defines the Junmai Daiginjo grade — Nabeshima Junmai Daiginjo is brewed by Fukuchiyo Shuzo in Saga Prefecture from Yamada Nishiki, the variety most prized for premium sake. A low amino-acid figure of 1.0 and moderate acidity of 1.25 produce a clean, precise palate, while a Sake Meter Value of +3 keeps the finish dry despite pronounced fruity and floral aromatics. Bottled at 16.5% alcohol, it is the flagship expression of a brewery widely credited with placing Kyushu among Japan's premium sake regions.

Nabeshima's pinnacle Junmai Daiginjo uses Yamada Nishiki polished to 35% and is the expression closest to the IWC Champion-winning style. Lush tropical fruit, white flower aromatics, and a rich yet precise palate with exceptional length. This is the sake that proved Kyushu could stand alongside the traditional brewing powerhouses.