Kozaemon Honjozo Yamahai Muroka Genshu Namasake 720ml
Metro Manila — 1–2 business days
Luzon— 3–5 business days
Visayas— 4–7 business days
Mindanao— 4–7 business days
Brewed by Nakashima Jozo in Gifu Prefecture, this Kozaemon is a honjozo carrying four labels at once, and each one matters. Yamahai means the starter was built the slow, traditional way, which brings acidity and savoury depth. Muroka means unfiltered by charcoal. Genshu means undiluted, so it lands at a hefty 19% alcohol. Nama means unpasteurised, which keeps it fresh and lively.
Rice is Hida Homare and Asahi no Yume, polished to 70%, with an SMV of minus 10. The colour is a medium lemon, and the aromatics are striking: candied and dried fruit, apricot, raisin, parmesan and roasted almond, followed by an intense sweetness held up by umami.
The brewery suggests drinking it cold, on the rocks, or mixed with ginger ale. It pairs beautifully with blue cheese and Comté, Thai stir-fries and Chinese cooking. Keep it refrigerated.