S. Tokyo Junmai Ginjo Sake Limited 2024 Edition

The brewery behind this, Matsumidori Shuzo, has been making sake in Odawara since 1825, over 200 years of refining techniques passed down through generations. They draw on Odawara’s natural environment and water sources to craft sake that balances tradition with modern sensibilities.

Here’s what makes this special: It’s brewed with a “phantom yeast” discovered in 1909 but never before used in sake making. This yeast was miraculously revived by Nakazawa Shuzo’s 11th-generation brewmaster, Ryo Kagiwada. It creates flavors impossible to achieve with modern mainstream strains.

Instead of today’s standard low-temperature fermentation method, S. Tokyo is fermented traditionally at a slightly warmer 14°C, creating a style that’s smooth, approachable, and completely unique.