Sugihara Shuzo, Gifu
Reviewed in H1 2025

If you're a man, dye yourself black
TOCKY's report
Numata's report
Hiroki Junmai Ginjo Aiyama nama (unpasteurised)
85
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Sogga Père et Fils Riz a Sake Naturel 2024
84
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Nichinichi Kame Tsujoban
81
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Senkin UA Collection UA Usagi Kijoshu Nigorizake
86
Next closest · 3 of 5 axes match
Among the closest shapes (at most one axis off by one step), ordered by score. Re-reviews of the same sake are excluded and each brewery appears once. Where fewer than four qualify, the next closest shapes fill the gap.
From Sugihara Shuzo, Japan's smallest sake brewery, comes 'Black Ibi,' a challenge with low-polish rice not attempted in ten years. Its distinctive features are the aroma that fills the mouth and a savoury note felt in the finish. Unlike the usual clean, delicate Ibi, this one delivers a wild, bold umami and a crisp finish driven by its high alcohol content. The savoury note works as an accent, and it pairs superbly with ethnic or spicy dishes.