Kamoizumi - Shusen "Three Dots" Junmai (900ml)

Kamoizumi Shuzo was founded in Hiroshima Prefecture by the Maegaki family, who originally worked the land as rice farmers before becoming an independent sake brewery in the early twentieth century. In 1965, Kamoizumi became one of only ten breweries in Japan to commit fully to junmai sake production at a time when the category had nearly disappeared, a decision that still defines the house's identity today.

Shusen, known among enthusiasts simply as "Three Dots" for its distinctive label, is deliberately left unfiltered through charcoal, a step most producers use to strip color and soften flavor. Skipping that process preserves the sake's natural golden hue along with a depth of character that sets it apart from lighter, more polished junmai styles. The rice is also milled less aggressively than typical, allowing more of its inherent richness to carry through into the finished sake.

The result is a bold, savory sake with aromas of shiitake mushroom, damp forest floor, and roasted nuts, layered with dried fruit and warm baking spice. On the palate it feels full and chewy, almost sherry-like, with a lingering honeyed warmth that deepens as it's served at room temperature or gently heated. Try it alongside duck, braised short ribs, or other rich, savory dishes.