Colors Earth
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed within 1 to 3 years of the release date to appreciate its vibrant acidity and fresh profile, though it can gracefully develop deeper earthy complexities over 5 years when kept under professional cellar conditions.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
grilled pork belly, roasted duck, aged hard cheeses
✨ Technical Specifications
Aramasa's 'Colors' series is a vibrant exploration of Akita's agricultural heritage, with 'Earth' (also known as Rikuba) serving as a liquid tribute to one of Japan's most historic rice strains: Rikuu No. 132. Developed in Akita in 1921, this legendary heirloom rice was famously championed by the beloved poet and agriculturalist Kenji Miyazawa, who dubbed it the 'rice of hope' for its resilience. Aramasa resurrects this heritage grain using ultra-traditional, low-intervention methods: 100% organic local farming, the ancient Kimoto starter method, fermentation in traditional Japanese cedar casks (Kioke), and the historic Kyokai No. 6 yeast, which was originally isolated on-site at Aramasa in 1930. The resulting brew is a masterpiece of complexity, balancing a deep, earthy umami with a bright, wine-like lactic acidity and a pristine mineral finish that beautifully reflects the terroir of Akita.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1852 in Akita Prefecture, Japan, Aramasa Shuzo is one of the sake world's most revolutionary and revered historic breweries. Under the avant-garde leadership of eighth-generation owner Yusuke Sato, the kura strictly champions traditional, natural brewing methodologies, utilizing only native Akita rice cultivars, wooden fermentation vats (kioke), and the time-honored kimoto method without additives. Aramasa is famously the historic birthplace of Kyokai Yeast No. 6, isolated here in 1930, which the brewery now uses exclusively across its entire production. Renowned for vibrant acidity, exceptional clarity, and wine-like complexity, Aramasa produces iconic cult expressions including the unpasteurized No. 6 series, the terroir-focused Colors collection, and the rare, boundary-pushing Private Lab series featuring labels like Invisible Pink Unicorn.
🍇 Grape Varieties
None (100% Rikuu 132 Sake Rice)
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
13%