Norman 
Kobayashi Shuzo Co.
Houou Biden Junmai Ginjo
Houou Biden (鳳凰美田) Hiyaoroshi
Brewery: Kobayashi Shuzo, Oyama, Tochigi, Japan
Classification: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Hiyaoroshi (pasteurized once, summer-matured, autumn release)
Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Nanto, Toyama)
Polishing: 55%
ABV: 16%
Bottle: 720ml
Importer: Sake Suki (Bridgeport, PA)
The seasonal autumn release, rested through summer and bottled without the second pasteurization. The brewery describes a refined aroma, gentle sweetness reminiscent of wasanbon sugar and soft umami. Suitable chilled or gently warmed.
Tasted at Sushi Kinsen, Redwood City, 10/24/2026. We went with this bottle. Delightful.
— 7 days ago
Ohmine Shuzou Co.
3 Grain Aiyama
Ohmine 3 Grain Aiyama — 94/100
Brewery: Ohmine Shuzo (大嶺酒造), Mine, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Classification: Junmai Daiginjo specification
Rice: Aiyama (愛山)
Rice polishing: 50%
ABV: 15%
SMV: Not published
Acidity: Not published
Water: Benten spring water, Akiyoshidai limestone plateau
Bottle: 720 ml
Importer: Sake Suki, Bridgeport, Pennsylvania
Purchase: True Sake, $68
Bottling date: Unknown
Ohmine reopened in 2010 after a 50-year hiatus. Its soft spring water and minimalist brewing approach produce expressive, fruit-forward sake. Aiyama is prized for its ability to produce rich, rounded textures and pronounced fruit character.
My tasting notes: I may have found another rice varietal I really like besides Yamada Nishiki. Not as crisp or sharply delineated, but round, smooth and lush. Sweet with a distinct honeydew melon note. Very light effervescence with a subtle carbonic bitterness that adds some balance. Consistent with my previous tasting. Excellent sake, though probably better before dinner than with delicate sushi. 94 points. — 6 days ago
Ohmine Shuzou Co.
3 Grain Aiyama
Ohmine (大嶺) 3 Grain Aiyama (3粒 愛山), black grain bottle
Brewery: Ohmine Shuzo, Mine, Yamaguchi, Japan
Classification: Junmai Daiginjo spec (not stated on label)
Rice: Aiyama
Polishing: 50%
ABV: 15%
Bottle: 720ml
Importer: Sake Suki (Bridgeport, PA)
Ohmine reopened in 2010 after a 50-year hiatus. It brews with Benten spring water from the limestone Akiyoshidai plateau, which gives the house style its mineral edge. Aiyama, often called the diamond of sake rice, pushes this toward lychee and ripe melon, with rounded acidity.
Tasted at Sushi Kinsen, Redwood City, 10/24/2026. Really nice but with a slight bitterness. I liked it, but given where we were in the meal, the group went with the blue grain bottle, which I thought was the better fit. These bottles are reasonably priced at retail. Trying the versions side by side would be fun. I think I've now had the green, white, blue and black. Not sure the bottle color signals a difference, since I've also seen a green bottle option.
— 7 days ago
Norman
Wish it had a little more oomph. Was even better with more air a day later. — 3 hours ago