Tatenokawa Sake: Japan’s Junmai Daiginjo Specialist

Tatenokawa (楯野川) is best known for a sake made from rice polished until only 1 percent of its original weight remains. Yet the brewery is more than one record number. In Sakata, on Yamagata’s Shonai Plain, it has built a whole range around clean, aromatic Junmai Daiginjo, from an easygoing 50 percent bottle to the rare Komyo. This guide explains how the bottles differ in taste and price, what those polishing ratios really mean, and why more polishing does not automatically make “better” sake. Choosing your first bottle? If so, start with the buying guide, then dig into the rice, the brewing, and the history. TOCWhat Is Tatenokawa Sake? Tatenokawa is a sake brand from Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, made by Tatenokawa, Inc. (楯の川酒造). Since 2010, every sake sold under the brand has been Junmai Daiginjo, brewed without added distilled alcohol. As a result, its range spans polishing ratios from 50 percent down to an exceptional 1 percent. Quick FactsBrandTatenokawa (楯野川), English name “Castle Brook”ProducerTatenokawa, Inc. (楯の川酒造株式会社)LocationYamadate, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, in the Shonai region of northern JapanRootsFounding year 1832; formal sake brewing began in 1854SpecialtyJ...