15th Anniversary Private Lab Hinotori
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed within 1–5 years of release, though its unique Kijushu style allows it to develop fascinating caramelized and nutty complexities with careful medium-term cellaring.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
blue cheese, foie gras, fruit tarts
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Aramasa's 'Private Lab' series serves as the experimental playground for eighth-generation president Yusuke Sato, and 'Hinotori' (meaning Phoenix) is its undisputed crown jewel. This release is a modern reincarnation of Kijushu, an ancient style of sake dating back to the Heian period (9th century) where sake is used in place of brewing water during the final stage of fermentation. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of this boundary-pushing label, Aramasa crafted this highly limited expression. Brewed using the brewery's own historic Kyokai No. 6 yeast and fermented in traditional wooden casks (kioke) using the ancestral Kimoto method, it represents a seamless bridge between ancient heritage and avant-garde craftsmanship. The resulting sake is incredibly rich and complex, offering a luscious, honeyed sweetness balanced by a vibrant, wine-like acidity and a deep, savory umami backbone.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1852 in Akita Prefecture, Japan, Aramasa Shuzo is a legendary brewery currently led by eighth-generation president Yusuke Sato, who has revolutionized the house with a focus on heritage and natural brewing. Aramasa is globally revered as the birthplace of Kyokai No. 6 yeast, the oldest active sake yeast strain distributed in Japan, which they use exclusively across their entire portfolio. Operating with a strict commitment to traditional methods, the brewery utilizes 100% Akita-grown rice, employs the labor-intensive kimoto starter method, and ferments its liquids in cedar wooden casks (kioke) without any additives. Their highly sought-after, low-alcohol, and beautifully acidic expressions—such as the iconic No. 6 series, Colors collection, and avant-garde releases like Invisible Pink Unicorn—have redefined modern sake, bridging the gap between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary fine wine aesthetics.