Prefecture: Niigata
Rice & polishing: Yamada Nishiki, Gohyakumangoku and Koshihikari, polished to 60%
Style: Junmai (720ml and 1.8L)
Food pairings: Salt-grilled fish, yakitori, oden, tempura
Taste: Rice-driven, gently sweet, umami-rich, clean
Alc.: 15%
The best-known bottling in the Echigo Tsurukame range, this Junmai is made entirely from Niigata rice and brewed carefully in the traditional style. It is refreshing, with an aroma of steamed rice and a gentle sweetness on the palate. The texture is smooth, with a good measure of umami, and the finish is very clean. Balanced and versatile, it suits a wide range of dishes and is a dependable everyday choice; enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
SMV: +3｜Acidity: 1.5
2026 Wine Glass Sake Award — Grand Gold (Main 1500) 2026 SAKE COMPETITION — Silver (Junmai) 2025 Wine Glass Sake Award — Gold (Main) 2024 Wine Glass Sake Award — Gold (Main) 2010 Monde Selection — Gold (Junmai) 2009 Monde Selection — Gold (Junmai)
About the brewery
Echigo Tsurukame was founded in 1890 at the foot of Mt. Kakuda in what is now Nishikan-ku, Niigata City. The name pairs the crane and the tortoise, two familiar Japanese emblems of long life. The brewery works in small batches and stores its premium grades in bottle rather than in tank, so the sake reaches drinkers close to its freshly brewed state.
