170th Anniversary Riku 132
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Best enjoyed fresh within 1 to 2 years of release to appreciate its vibrant acidity, though it can be carefully cellared for up to 5 years under pristine, freezing conditions.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Sashimi of fatty tuna, grilled sweetfish, light poultry dishes with sansho pepper
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Released to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the legendary Aramasa Shuzo, founded in 1852, this highly limited sake is a masterclass in historical preservation and avant-garde brewing. The brew features Rikuu 132, a legendary heirloom rice variety developed in Akita in 1921, famously championed by the beloved poet and agricultural activist Kenji Miyazawa, who referred to it as the ideal rice for its resilience. True to Aramasa's uncompromising philosophy, this sake is crafted using the traditional Kimoto starter method, fermented in hand-crafted wooden casks (kioke), and driven by their proprietary Kyokai No. 6 yeast—the oldest active strain distributed by the Brewing Society of Japan, which was originally isolated at Aramasa in 1930. The result is a complex, deeply textured sake that bridges the past and the future, offering a vibrant acidity, delicate cedar nuances from the wood, and a pristine, mineral-driven finish.
🍾 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.