Hard-to-find and incredibly delicious Japanese sake! Top 10 luxury sakes not available on the market

In the world of alcohol, high-end whiskey and rare wines are hot topics, but there are also rare brands of sake that are called "premium." Premium sake is something that cannot be purchased at regular supermarkets, and some are sold for several times the regular price .
This time, we will focus on premium sake. We will introduce rare sakes in a ranking format , so if you are a sake fan, be sure to check it out!

[1st place: Juyondai] Speaking of the legendary sake, this is it! From Honmaru to Ryusen

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• Manufacturer: Takagi Sake Brewery
• Origin: Yamagata Prefecture

One of the most difficult-to-obtain sakes is Takagi Sake Brewery's "Juyondai." Even if you're not very knowledgeable about alcohol, you've probably heard of it at least once.
The reason why Juyondai is so popular is that it is rich, delicious , fruity, and free of impurities . It is made using carefully selected rice and high-quality water, and is brewed carefully one by one.
Juyondai has premium Junmai Daiginjo sakes such as Ryusen and Ryugetsu, which are priced at over 100,000 yen. Juyondai is also known for its delicious Tokubetsu Honjozo sake, which is generally not considered to be that high-ranking , and even bottles with a list price of around 2,000 yen are sold at premium prices of several tens of thousands of yen.

14th Honmaru Secret Ball Return

Juyondai Honmaru Hiden Tamagaeshi is a premium sake that is sold at a price of nearly 50,000 yen, despite being a special honjozo sake. It has a fruity taste like ginjo sake, and is very easy to drink with a smooth nose.
It is rather sweet, but not cloyingly sweet, and has an excellent balance. It can be purchased for around 2,000 yen at retail price, so it is recommended to try it at a designated store.

The 14th Ryusen

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: 100% Yamada Nishiki special rice from Special A region
• Rice polishing ratio: 35%
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 720ml, retail price is around 500,000 yen, compared to the list price of 16,500 yen

The most expensive sake in the hugely popular Juyondai lineup is "Ryusen." Its retail price is an astonishing 500,000 yen, compared to the list price of 16,500 yen.
They use 100% of the highest quality Yamadanishiki rice, known as the king of sake rice, and also brew using natural spring water, resulting in a sake with a rich, expansive flavor.

[2nd place: Jikin] Incredibly delicious! A well-balanced flavor that will appeal to everyone.

• Manufacturer: Kiyamasa Sake Brewery
• Origin: Mie Prefecture

Jikon is a sake with an excellent balance of sweetness and sourness, and is one of the brands that has become especially popular in recent years. It is a sake from Mie Prefecture, and is difficult to obtain as it can only be purchased at authorized stores. Although the brand itself has a short history, having been created in 2005, it has a track record of winning a gold medal at the National New Sake Tasting Competition since its first year of production .
The fresh, fruity taste of Jikon makes it easy to drink even for beginners, and it also makes a great gift. In addition to pasteurized sake, they also offer fresh unpasteurized sake, so you can find your favorite from the wide lineup .

Jikon Junmai Daiginjo

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: Yamada Nishiki from Iga
• Rice polishing ratio: 35%
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 720ml, retail price is around 30,000 yen compared to the list price of 6,050 yen

Jikin's Junmai Daiginjo has a very impressive, fine texture. It goes down smoothly and yet has a full, rich flavor. It is a high-end sake among the many in Jikin's lineup, and is quite difficult to obtain.
One of the charms of Jikon Junmai Daiginjo is that it is an elegant sake that can be enjoyed like white wine. It is especially recommended to drink it slightly chilled in a wine glass .

[3rd place: Kuroryu] A high-end Japanese sake known as a purveyor to the Imperial Family

• Manufacturer: Kuroryu Sake Brewery
• Origin: Fukui Prefecture

Kuroryu is a famous sake made by a historic brewery that has been in business for over 200 years. It is a representative example of high-quality sake and is known as a brand of sake used by the Imperial Family . Made using meltwater from snow in Fukui Prefecture, the sake has depth and a smooth mouthfeel.
Kurotatsu is known for using a variety of methods to make sake, including sake squeezed using the "Fukuro-tsuri" method and sake that is carefully aged. Because it is a sake that requires a lot of effort to produce, the production volume is low and it is highly valued as a rarity.

Black Dragon Ishidaya

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: Yamada Nishiki from Tojo, Hyogo Prefecture
• Rice polishing ratio: 35%
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 720ml Regular price 13,200 yen, retail price just under 50,000 yen

Kuroryu Ishidaya is a high-class sake made by slowly aging Junmai Ginjoshu made from Yamada Nishiki rice at low temperatures. It is characterized by its fruity Junmai Daiginjoshu with added umami and mellowness . As it is a sake from Fukui, it goes well with seafood from the Sea of ​​Japan.
Kuroryu Ishidaya is a limited-time product sold at the end of November , and is not available year-round. This also explains why it is a premium product.

[4th place: Hiroki] Known as the pioneer of unfiltered raw sake

• Manufacturer: Hiroki Sake Brewery
• Origin: Fukushima Prefecture

Hiroki is a sake from Fukushima Prefecture, produced by Hiroki Sake Brewery. Although the brewery was once on the brink of closing down, they began distributing "unfiltered raw sake" and it has since become a very popular brand.
The taste of Hiroki is often said to be a trinity of sweetness, umami, and aroma, making it a versatile flavor. It is well-known for its well-balanced taste that can be enjoyed as a drink with meals.

Hiroki Special Junmai Unfiltered Unpasteurized Sake

• Type of sake: Junmaishu
• Raw material rice: Yamada Nishiki/Gohyakumangoku
• Rice polishing ratio: 50% or 55%
• Alcohol content: 17.6%
• Price: 1800ml Regular price 2,730 yen, retail price around 13,000 yen

When talking about Toroki, one thing that cannot be left out is the unfiltered raw sake. By not filtering or pasteurizing the sake, the flavor of the rice is sealed in. The bursting freshness of this sake is sure to have you hooked once you try it.
It is the product that sparked the boom in unfiltered raw sake , and its popularity is increasing year by year. It is only available from December to March, and the price is rising rapidly compared to the list price.

[No. 5: Hanayoke] A sake that is difficult to obtain due to its small production volume

• Manufacturer: Nanyo Brewery
• Origin: Saitama Prefecture

Hanayoke is a sake made in Saitama Prefecture that is carefully crafted by hand. It is a fruity sake with a refreshing fruity flavor like passion fruit , and is easy to enjoy even for those who don't usually drink sake.
Because the manufacturing process is done by hand, production is very limited and it is difficult to obtain.

Hanayoke Junmai Daiginjo Miyamanishiki Unfiltered Raw Sake

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: Miyamanishiki
• Rice polishing ratio: 48%
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 1800ml Regular price 4,290 yen, retail price is about 20,000 yen

Hanayoke Junmai Daiginjo Miyamanishiki Unfiltered Unpasteurized Sake is an unfiltered sake made from Miyamanishiki rice. It is a sake with a tropical character that has gained overwhelming support from sake fans.
Since it is unpasteurized sake, it tastes best when chilled. The gorgeous label design is also one of the reasons for its popularity.

[6th place: Brewer Kuheiji] An elegant taste that is also popular overseas

• Manufacturer: Banjo Brewery
• Origin: Aichi Prefecture

The key to sake brewing at Kuheiji is to make the most of the "Domaine" that is the name given to wine. The charm of the soil and climate in which the rice is grown is fully incorporated into the sake. The bitterness and astringency that are often perceived as negative aspects in sake brewing are deliberately left in to create a unique character.
Brewer Kuheiji is popular not only in Japan but also overseas . Their lineup includes sake made from rice grown in France.

Brewer Kuheiji human

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture
• Rice polishing ratio: 45%
• Alcohol content: 16%
• Price: 720ml Regular price 3,300 yen

"Kuheiji Human" is a Junmai Daiginjo sake made with 45% polishing ratio. Its gorgeous, fruity, and fresh nuances make it perfect for drinking in a wine glass.
HUMAN is neither male nor female, and has the connotation of crossing borders. As the name suggests, various charms coexist in this sake, with a good balance of umami and acidity.

[7th place: Isojiman] Shizuoka Ginjo sake recommended for those who prefer dry sake

• Manufacturer: Isojiman Brewery
• Origin: Shizuoka Prefecture

Isojiman is a brand from Shizuoka, known for having been chosen as the toast for the Toyako Summit and the Ise-Shima Summit . It is a prestigious sake that is served to important people from around the world, and is renowned for its clear, dry taste.
It is affectionately known overseas as "Bay Pride."

Isojiman Nakadori Junmai Daiginjo 35%

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: Yamada Nishiki
• Rice polishing ratio: 35%
• Alcohol content: 15-16%
• Price: 720ml, retail price approx. 16,500 yen

Iso Jiman Nakatori Junmai Daiginjo 35 is a Japanese sake made using the Nakatori method, which luxuriously bottles only the most delicious parts of the sake. It is the highest quality Junmai Daiginjo sake, and has a very rich aroma.
Only 1,000 of these bottles are released each year, making them extremely rare . Each one is individually numbered.

[8th place: Sakeraku] Highly praised at the tasting event! Monthly limited edition sake available

• Manufacturer: Miyaizumi Meijo
• Origin: Fukushima Prefecture

Sake from Aizuwakamatsu, famous for its delicious rice, is well-known nationwide. The brand has won numerous awards at the SAKE COMPETITION and the National New Sake Tasting Competition , and is renowned for its sophisticated flavor.
In addition to the bottles that are sold year-round, there are limited edition sakes that change every month, so you can enjoy comparing them. Limited edition products are especially difficult to obtain.

Sake Raku Junmai Ginjo Origarami Namasake

Sakeraku Junmai Ginjo Origarami Namasake A sweet taste with a slight gassy feel. Muscat-like. A bitter aftertaste. I really like it. #JapaneseSake #Sakeraku #MiyaizumiMeijo #FukushimaPrefecture #sake #sakelovers #japanesesake # Iwanttoconnectwithsakeloverspic.twitter.com /9mo1zpVRfC

— 🔰🍶DRY🍶🔰 (@daruya2) December 17, 2021

• Type of sake: Junmai Ginjo
• Raw rice: Gohyakumangoku
• Rice polishing ratio: 50%
• Alcohol content: 16.4%
• Price: 720ml, retail price approx. 3,941 yen

Origarami is a slightly cloudy sake. It is a raw sake made with the sediment remaining immediately after the mash is pressed, and has a flavor that allows you to fully enjoy the appeal of the ingredients. Sakeraku's Origarami is made with peach It has a refreshing sweetness with a hint of sweetness . There is also a sour aftertaste, and the overall finish is excellent.

[9th place: Hyakko] Alcohol served in first-class hotels and three-star restaurants

• Manufacturer: Tatenokawa Brewery
• Origin: Yamagata Prefecture

Hyakukou is a sake made by Tatenokawa Sake Brewery in Yamagata Prefecture. This sake brewery has excellent rice polishing techniques, and the sake they make has a delicate and smooth taste. It has a silky texture, a taste like white peach, and an elegant aroma like a lily.
Hyakukou is extremely rare and is not available in regular liquor stores. It is served in first-class hotels and restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide , so if you happen to come across it, you are extremely lucky.

Hyakukou Bespoke

~The high-end Japanese sake "Hyakukou Bespoke" was delicious in a different dimension~

Yamada Nishiki, the king of sake rice, is carefully polished for over 200 hours to an amazing 18% polishing ratio.

A perfect balance of flavours.

I (the person inside) haven't been very good at drinking sake, but this is a bit crazy.
If you have the chance to come across it, you should definitely try it! pic.twitter.com/OBFpFKECSd

— Tottori University School of Medicine Cocktail Club (@ttr_cocktail) September 21, 2022

• Type of sake: Junmai Daiginjo
• Raw rice: 100% Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture
• Rice polishing ratio: 18%
• Alcohol content: 15.7%
• Price: 720ml Regular price 27,500 yen

Hyakukou Bespoke is a Hyakukou made with Yamada Nishiki rice. It has great potential as a sake to accompany meals, and because it uses rice that has been polished to 18%, it has no off-flavors. It takes more than 200 hours to polish rice to 18%, so it is a time-consuming process.
To purchase from the online shop, you must apply in advance, and it is not available for regular purchase. This sake is very rarely distributed, and is said to be a phantom sake.

[10th place: Hinotori] A rare Kijoshu made by Aramasa Sake Brewery

• Manufacturer: Aramasa Sake Brewery
• Origin: Akita Prefecture

Hinotori is produced by Aramasa Sake Brewery, famous for its sakes "Aramasa" and "No.6". This is one of the PRIVATE LAB series of experimental sakes produced by Aramasa Sake Brewery, and is made using the "kijoshu" method, which brews sake with sake.
This is an especially rare item in Aramasa Sake Brewery's lineup, and has attracted attention from enthusiasts. It is also notable for being priced several times higher than the list price.

Yonotori Kijoshu

• Type of sake: Kijoshu
• Ingredients: Rice, rice malt, sake
• Rice polishing ratio: 40% koji, 60% rice
• Alcohol content: 15%
• Price: 720ml, regular price 2,500 yen

Kijoshu, which is made by brewing sake with sake itself, has a richer, sweeter taste than regular sake. Hinotori is further aged in Mizunara oak barrels and is brewed with Aramasa Brewery's No. 6 yeast, giving it a unique character.
It is a drink that can be enjoyed like a dessert, making it perfect for those times when you want to indulge in a special moment.

How to get your hands on hard-to-find sake

Check authorized dealers and official websites

Hard-to-find alcohol cannot be purchased at supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. It is often the case that it is sold on online stores such as Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba, but it is often priced at several times the retail price.
To get your hands on these rare brands at the regular price, check out authorized dealers or the official websites of sake breweries . You can get your hands on rare sake by applying in advance or on a first-come, first-served basis.

Be mindful of sales times

Alcohol that is considered hard to obtain or rare is usually limited in quantity or for a limited time only . Therefore, even at authorized dealers, it may not always be in their lineup.
If you're hoping to get your hands on some, be sure to check the sales period. Also, be aware that some stores and breweries may have rules for purchasing.

Rare sake is also popular in the liquor purchase market

Rare sakes like those introduced here are all hard to obtain and have high market value. Most of them are circulated at prices higher than the list price, and some bottles are valued at more than 10 times the list price. Naturally, they are also popular for selling alcohol, and if the condition is good, you can expect to sell it for a high price . If you have a rare sake and don't plan on drinking it in the future, we recommend using our alcohol selling service.
For most sake, the drinking window is set within one year. Compared to whiskey or wine, the period during which it will be appraised at a high value is shorter, so if you are interested in selling it, please contact us as soon as possible . Linksus, a liquor purchase specialist store, is currently strengthening its sake purchases, so please feel free to contact us for further information.
Buy Japanese sake here

summary

Among the hard-to-find sakes, there are many bottles that are priced above the regular price. Starting with Takagi Shuzo's Juyondai, there are rare sakes all over the country.
It's not a brand you can easily come across, but if you're a fan of Japanese sake, it's definitely one you should check out. If you do come across it, please give it a try.