Unique Collaboration of Japanese Incense and Sake: Akigasumi
In an unprecedented collaboration, the esteemed incense producer
Nippon Kodo has teamed up with
Miyaizumi Brewing, known for the popular sake brand
Sharak, to create a new sake called
Akigasumi. This unique product, embodying the essence of both incense and sake traditions, will make its debut on
September 15, 2025. The sake will be available online and at select locations for a limited run of just 300 bottles.
A Unique Brewing Technique
The creation of
Akigasumi is characterized by an innovative brewing method that employs three different yeast strains (F7-01, 1801, and Kirara yeast) simultaneously within a single tank. This method has never been attempted before and aims to achieve a complex scent profile. By carefully harmonizing yeasts with different fermentation speeds, the sake presents a layered aroma that develops from top notes to middle and base notes over time.
The rice used in the sake blends two varieties from Fukushima: the delicate and flavorful
Fukunoka and the crisp
Gohyakumangoku. This combination achieves a balanced, transparent flavor profile.
The name
Akigasumi translates to the mist that covers the mountains at dawn during spring, evoking a scene of overlapping colorful clouds. The sake's delicate nature and complexity are mirrored in its visually striking bottle design.
Tasting Experience
Designed to be served with various dishes,
Akigasumi pairs well with sashimi, fried foods, vegetables, and meats. Its understated elegance allows its aromas and flavors to reveal themselves gradually as the sake warms or sits, making it an exceptional choice for a dining experience.
Product Details
- - Release Date: September 15, 2025, at 11:30 AM
- - Limited Availability: 300 bottles, limited to two bottles per person
- - Sales Locations: Available at the Ginza Rangetsu online shop and at two restaurants: Ginza Rangetsu and Sakanohana.
- - Price: 6,600 JPY (including tax) for a 720ml bottle
- - Alcohol Content: 16%
- - Sake Type: Junmai Ginjo
The Creative Vision Behind Akigasumi
The philosophy behind
Akigasumi emphasizes the interdependence of scent and taste. During the crafting process, special attention was given to balancing the aroma and flavor. Utilizing unique ratios of yeast and premium sake rice, the team aimed to create a sake that leaves a lasting impression on the drinker. This conception is rooted in the cultural significance of aromas and their ability to evoke memories, a principle that resonates deeply with both the production of incense and sake.
Background of the Collaboration
As a company with over 450 years of history,
Nippon Kodo aims to bridge the past, present, and future through fragrance. The
Akigasumi project marks a new beginning where the worlds of incense and sake blend together. Inspired in part by French nuances of flavor and aroma, the project reflects a commitment to creating unique experiences that honor both Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The birth of
Akigasumi symbolizes a new chapter in the legacy of Japanese fragrance and brewing. With its unique production method and tasteful pairing possibilities, this sake promises to be a nuanced exploration of flavor and scent. Join us in this aromatic journey, and experience the delicate fusion of incense and sake like never before.
For more details, visit
Nippon Kodo or
Ginza Rangetsu.