The “Shiro By” series, available through the membership-based premium sake e-commerce site “NOMUZO. STYLE,” represents a collaboration with sake breweries across Japan. Crafted by skilled brewers in pursuit of a unique and unparalleled Japanese sake experience, it embodies true “premium” deliciousness.
A pure white label carries the ingenuities of the creator.
The “Shiro By” series, conceived in 2021, embodies the idea of exploring sake breweries across Japan, each with its unique narrative. The brand’s creator, NOMUZO. STYLE operates as a membership site dedicated to exceptional Japanese sake. By emphasizing “limited brewing,” it serves as a bridge, connecting brewers and Sake enthusiasts nationwide, ensuring the sake culture—known internationally as “Sake” is passed down to the next generation.
The name “Shiro By” originates from the concept that Japanese sake resembles a canvas, and each sake brewer acts as the creator, infusing the sake with their distinct flavor palette. Starting with premium sake rice, every brewer carefully selects raw materials, resulting in limited quantities of sake that blend craftsmanship and thoughtful innovation. The minimalist design—a sleek black bottle adorned with a pristine white label—ignites the drinker’s imagination, inviting speculation about its taste. Simultaneously, savoring it becomes an enjoyable experience as one contemplates the vivid “pictures” painted by the brewers.
The “Shiro By” series, which has gained international acclaim, features its debut’s sake: " Junmai Daiginjo Shiro By ASAMASHUZO 2021."
The “Junmai Daiginjo Shiro By ASAMASHUZO2021”, released as the inaugural masterpiece of the “Shiro By” series, is crafted by the lesser-known sake brewery Asama Shuzo in Gunma Prefecture. Founded in 1872 during the Meiji era, Asama Shuzo’s brewery sits at a 600-meter-elevation, surrounded by mountains. The cold winds from the Japan Sea sweep through this frigid region, where brewer meticulously produce sake. What matters most to the brewers at Asama Shuzo is not only using locally sourced rice but also harnessing the unique terroir of the area—characterized by the soft water from the Asama Mountain range and the dry climate of Okushu. Since 2011, inspired by winemakers who engage in grape cultivation, brewers in Asama Shuzo have also dedicated themselves to cultivating rice for sake production, aiming to create authentic local sake.
The “Junmai Daiginjo Shiro By ASAMASHUZO2021” utilizes locally grown sake rice called “Kairyo Shinko” from the company’s own fields. Polished to 15%, it results in a sake with a rich flavor profile, including the original elegance of rice and balanced acidity.
This exceptional sake has garnered acclaim not only in Japan but also internationally, winning the prestigious gold award in the Junmai Daiginjo category at the IWC-International Wine Challenge 2021—an esteemed wine competition held annually in London.
At Asama Shuzo, our goal is to create sake that pairs harmoniously with Japan’s finest vegetables. It complements seasonal ingredients prepared through methods like steaming, baking, and pickling. For the best dining experience, consider combining the sake with light, delicate flavor foods that enhance the natural taste of the ingredients.
The premium Sake “Shiro By MINENOHAKUBAISHUZO 2021”, crafted by the renowned Niigata’s sake brewery Minenohakubaishuzo.
Mineno Hakubai Sake Brewery, nestled at the foot of Mt. Kakuda in the heart of the Echigo Plain, traces its origins back to 1624 during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu. As the second oldest brewery in Niigata Prefecture—a renowned sake-producing region—it has left an indelible mark. The brewery’s iconic sake, “Mineno Hakubai,” played a pivotal role in the local sake renaissance. Alongside “Koshino Kanbai” and “Secchu Bai,” also crafted by Niigata’s sake breweries, it forms the esteemed trio known as the “Koshino Sanbai (three plums of Echigo).” Notably, Mineno Hakubai Sake Brewery is committed to producing a new generation of Japanese sake, emphasizing a mellow flavor profile.
Since 2017, the brewery has enlisted the expertise such as Mr. Mori and Mr. Ijima to meticulously evaluate its sake brewing process. Their efforts have resulted in award-winning brews across various competitions, while also nurturing the growth of the next generation of brewers.
“Shiro By MINENOHAKUBAISHUZO 2021” is a Junmai Daiginjo sake, representing the pinnacle of Mineno Hakubai Sake Brewery. Crafted using 100% high-quality Yamada Nishiki rice, polished to a rice polishing rate of 35%, it delivers a soft mouthfeel, balanced sweetness, and acidity. The plump and mellow flavor pairs beautifully with seafood dishes and other culinary creations featuring sweet and spicy seasonings.
Summary
In this introduction, we have highlighted two exceptional sakes from the “Shiro By” series: “Junmai Daiginjo Shiro by ASAMASHUZO2021” and “Shiro by MINENOHAKUBAISHUZO 2021.” Crafted by enthusiastic brewers, these sakes are produced with carefully selected raw materials. Their limited quantity makes them unique. Whether you are savoring them alongside your favorite snacks or considering them as a distinctive gift, they are excellent choices.
List of Contents