Kubota Manjyu: An Introduction to The World of Japanese Junmai Daiginjo Sake

Get to know Asahi Shuzo: The brewery behind Kubota sake

Kubota sake is produced by the Asahi Shuzo sake brewery based in Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture. Originally known as "Kubotaya," the brewery was founded in 1830, but changed its name to "Asahi Shuzo" in 1920. At that time, it was selling products such as "Asahiyama," a sake that is still included in the company's line-up to this day.

Hitting the shelves in 1985, Kubota sake emerged during an ongoing price war among Japanese breweries which threatened to dissipate consumers' interest in Japanese sake. Asahi Shuzo had been producing sake with a rich flavor, in line with that produced by their competitors in the sake industry.

It was during these times that the brewery set out on its mission to revive interest in sake and transform it into a culturally significant national drink representative of Japan. Asahi Shuzo began to study consumer preferences and, as a result, launched the refreshing, dry sake, "Kubota," named after the original brewery.

Kubota sake: A commitment to quality

With the launch of Kubota Sake, Asahi Shuzo expanded its market by shifting its sales focus from Niigata Prefecture to the wider Tokyo metropolitan area. Although the company has since become fully established throughout Japan, its philosophy that local sake should remain rooted in its region has never changed. Its sake is still produced locally in Niigata using rice from Niigata Prefecture and the soft groundwater that flows under the brewery.

The water used promotes the gentle fermentation of sake, which in turn enhances the flavor. Based on the idea that "the quality of sake cannot exceed the quality of its ingredients," Asahi Shuzo continues its research into cultivating rice which is ideal for sake production.

Kubota, which credits its popularity to the fact that it was originally developed with Tokyo residents in mind, is a symbol of Asahi Shuzo's commitment to quality and sensitivity to consumer preferences. In 2020, the year of Asahi Shuzo's 100th anniversary, the brewery established a brand concept of "constantly evolving taste," and has since continued to take on new challenges while pursuing a sake that caters to everyone’s preferences.

The Kubota Manjyu lineup and best way to drink it

Do you have a special occasion to celebrate? A birthday or anniversary, perhaps? Then the refreshing yet soft and deep taste of Kubota Manjyu, a popular premium line of Kubota sake, is the perfect companion. A favorite among sake drinkers for over 35 years, 2020 saw the introduction of Kubota Manjyu Muroka Namagenshu, an unfiltered sake, and Kubota Manjyu Original Yeast YX Edition to the Kubota Manjyu lineup.

The Kubota Manjyu series of sake all fall under the umbrella of junmai daiginjo sake, a top-quality brew made without added alcohol or sugar, brewed from rice grains polished down to 50 percent for a clean, crisp taste.

While Kubota Manjyu, sold in 720ml and 1.8l bottles, is best served cold or at room temperature, Kubota Manjyu Muroka Namagenshu and Kubota Manjyu Original Yeast YX Edition are best enjoyed cold.

Let's take a closer look at each sake in the "Kubota Manjyu" series and explore what makes each one special.

Kubota Manjyu

Introduced in 1986, junmai daiginjo sake Kubota Manjyu is considered the epitome of the Kubota line-up. The result of a challenge to create a junmai daiginjo sake using only rice, rice malt, and water, the raw rice ingredients used in Kubota Manjyu have been polished down to 40-50 percent. The ingredients undergo slow fermentation using the traditional yamahai-shikomi brewing method, which takes advantage of naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria. Although slower, this process results in complex flavors and aromas.

In the continuous pursuit of enhancing flavor, 2020 brought improvements to the production process of the rice malt, resulting in a deep, harmonious flavor and an exquisite aroma. Adjustments were also made in temperature after the heat treatment stage and in storage to preserve this aroma during bottling.

Official website: https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/global/en/products/kubota/manjyu/

Kubota Manjyu Muroka Namagenshu

Junmai daiginjo sake Kubota Manjyu Muroka Namagenshu hit the shelves in February 2020. Created to deliver a fresher-tasting version of the popular Kubota Manjyu sake, this brew is produced from December to January, which is the peak season in sake production.

The fermented ingredients are bottled unfiltered straight after the fermented raw materials have been pressed for an incredibly fresh sake. Though containing a higher alcohol content, the love and care given to making the rice malt makes this sake highly aromatic and rich, yet soft and smooth; perfect when paired with sushi, tempura, and other traditional Japanese dishes.

Official website: https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/kubota/manjyumurokanamagenshu/ (in Japanese only)

Kubota Manjyu Original Yeast YX Edition

Only a few months later in May 2020, the junmai daiginjo sake Kubota Manjyu Original Yeast YX Edition was introduced to the public. Available only in March, May, and September, it retains what makes a Kubota Manjyu sake special among sake lovers—a deep flavor and an exquisite aroma—but with particular attention to rice polishing and a carefully-selected yeast added during the brewing process to create the ultimate Kubota Manjyu sake.

Carefully selected from the brewery’s own cultivated rice, a special rice milling technique is incorporated to polish the rice down to 40 percent to bring out its best flavor.

A lot of thought was also put into the choice of yeast. Fans of the Kubota series provided feedback on what kind of sake they enjoyed—the prevailing preference was for refreshing, dry flavor and mellow richness and depth. Many yeasts were then developed in-house, and one, never previously used in a Kubota Manjyu, was chosen to create a sake with an elegant, layered aroma and a mellow, full-bodied flavor.

Official website: https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/kubota/manjyu_original_yeast/ (in Japanese only)

Sake varieties beyond the Kubota Manjyu series

Although the premium junmai daiginjo Kubota Manjyu line receives a lot of attention, there are other sake that are part of the Kubota lineup worth experiencing. Kubota Hyakujyu and Kubota Senjyu are ideal for those seeking a more reasonably-priced option, while the junmai daiginjo Kubota Hekijyu sake is delicious when served warm.

Kubota Hyakujyu

Kubota Hyakujyu is based on the original Kubota sake. In addition to the base ingredients of rice, rice malt, and water, distilled alcohol is added to enhance the flavor, making this brew a special honjozo sake. When it comes to this particular sake type, breweries tend to be more creative in ingredients and production methods, allowing each one to showcase its unique characteristics.

Kubota Hyakujyu delivers a subtle aroma, and a dry flavor and aftertaste. It’s best served lukewarm or at room temperature, while a slightly cooler serving pairs well with refreshing dishes such as tofu and pickles.

Official website: https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/global/en/products/kubota/hyakujyu/#a-main

Kubota Senjyu

Kubota Senjyu is referred to as the origin of Kubota. Created in pursuit of a refreshing taste that elevates even the most ordinary of dishes, the Kubota Senjyu series consists of four kinds of sake, including a limited version.

A particular standout is the Kubota Senjyu Junmai Ginjo released in 2020. This sake not only boasts the refreshing taste favored by fans since the debut of Kubota Senjyu in 1985, but also retains the pure flavor and delicate sweetness of the rice.

Particular importance was placed on delivering an exquisite aftertaste, not only making this sake a great accompaniment to meals but also a delightful standalone drink. Best served cold or at room temperature, this sake complements Japanese dishes like seasonal sashimi, dishes that use butter or mayonnaise, as well as Chinese and Western cuisine.

Official website: https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/global/en/products/kubota/senjyujunmaiginjo/#a-main

Kubota Hekijyu

Kubota Hekijyu was created in response to a request for a junmai daiginjo that offers the same quality as Kubota Manjyu but at a more reasonable price, suitable for enjoying at a warm temperature. The traditional yamahai-shikomi brewing method, harnessing the power of lactic acid bacteria, is employed to create a deep flavor while providing a refreshingly sharp acidity and a light, thirst-quenching taste, characteristic of Kubota.

Kubota Hekijyu has a refreshing aftertaste when served cold, and a soft mouthfeel at room temperature, allowing you to enjoy the true flavor of sake. However, if you want to bring out the best of Kubota Hekiju, heating it to lukewarm (about 40 degrees Celsius) will enhance the deep flavors produced through the yamahai-shikomi brewing process as well as the aroma of the sake.

This sake pairs well with grilled meat dishes, and butter-based seafood dishes, so some French restaurants serve it lukewarm. It is an alcoholic beverage that can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors by changing the temperature.

Official website: https://www.asahi-shuzo.co.jp/global/en/products/kubota/hekijyu/#a-main

Where to buy Kubota sake

Kubota is a well-known sake brand in Japan and is readily available. The junmai daiginjo Kubota Manjyu is priced at around JPY 4,000 for a 720ml bottle, and can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and duty-free shops.

Kubota Manjyu Muroka Namagenshu and Kubota Manjyu Original Yeast YX Edition may be a bit harder to find initially, typically available only in liquor and department stores. Kubota Hyakujyu, Kubota Senjyu, and Kubota Hekijyu, on the other hand, are more commonly found on the shelves of larger supermarkets. For those seeking even more exclusive versions, exploring Niigata or Tokyo might lead you to discover very limited editions.

Shop tax-free Japanese sake through WAmazing Shop, and conveniently pick up your order at designated airports before heading back home.

Discover the range of Kubota sake varieties

Kubota is one of the most recognizable Japanese sake brands, and even for those who have never tried sake before, it's worth experiencing at least once. While Kubota Manjyu is the most popular and can be found in most stores, including convenience stores, there's a wide variety of other sake in its lineup beyond those mentioned here. Kubota makes for a great souvenir to bring back home. With such a diverse selection available, there's a Kubota sake out there for everyone.

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*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.