The Perfect Everyday Sake
Mansaku No Hana Tokubetsu Junmai "Umakara" is a beautifully crafted sake that embodies the essence of great everyday drinking. Created by Hinomaru Jozo in Yokote, Akita, this award-winning tokubetsu junmai strikes a perfect balance between deliciousness and dryness - exactly what its name promises. "Umakara" (旨辛) combines "umai" (delicious) and "karai" (dry), describing a sake that is both flavorful and crisp, making it an ideal companion to daily meals.
The Mansaku No Hana Philosophy
"Mansaku No Hana" (満寿泉の花) translates to "Flowers of Full Longevity," reflecting the brewery's commitment to creating sake that brings joy and satisfaction to everyday life. Hinomaru Jozo, based in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, has earned a reputation for producing sake that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Umakara exemplifies this approach - a sake that honors tradition while meeting contemporary preferences for clean, dry, food-friendly profiles.
Akinosei Rice - A Local Treasure
What makes Umakara special is its use of Akinosei rice, a sake rice variety developed specifically for Akita Prefecture. This local rice brings distinctive character to the sake, contributing to its unique flavor profile and sense of place. The choice to use Akinosei demonstrates Hinomaru Jozo's commitment to showcasing local ingredients and supporting regional agriculture while creating sake with authentic Akita character.
Craftsmanship and Quality
Mansaku No Hana Tokubetsu Junmai "Umakara" from Yokote, Akita
£34.00 (as of January 2026)
720ml / Alc 15%
Rice Polish Ratio: 55% / SMV: +9
The 55% rice polish ratio qualifies this sake for the "tokubetsu" (special) designation, indicating extra care in production. The sake meter value of +9 places it firmly in dry territory, creating a crisp, clean profile that refreshes the palate. At 15% alcohol, it offers substantial body while remaining easy to drink throughout a meal.
Tasting Note
Mansaku No Hana Tokubetsu Junmai "Umakara" delivers a superb balance between vibrant acidity and the distinctive character of Akinosei rice. The sake presents a clean, dry profile with layers of flavor that unfold on the palate - the rice's natural umami and subtle sweetness beautifully balanced by bright, refreshing acidity. Despite its pronounced dryness (+9 SMV), the sake never feels austere or harsh. Instead, it offers a satisfying richness that makes it both interesting and highly drinkable. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving the palate refreshed and ready for the next bite.
Perfect Pairings
The dry, food-friendly character of Umakara makes it an ideal companion to daily meals. Its versatility shines with:
- Grilled Fish - The crisp acidity cuts through rich, oily fish while enhancing natural sweetness
- Yakitori - The dry profile balances savory grilled chicken and tare sauce
- Sashimi - The clean character complements delicate raw fish without overwhelming subtle flavors
- Tempura - The bright acidity cuts through fried batter, cleansing the palate
- Nabe (Hot Pot) - Perfect with hearty winter stews and communal dining
- Grilled Vegetables - The umami-rich character enhances charred vegetables
- Cheese - Pairs surprisingly well with aged cheeses and charcuterie
- Curry - The dry, crisp profile balances rich, spicy dishes
Award-Winning Recognition
Mansaku No Hana Tokubetsu Junmai "Umakara" has earned international acclaim:
- IWC (International Wine Challenge) 2019 - Commendation
This recognition from one of the world's most prestigious sake competitions confirms Umakara's exceptional quality and its success in balancing deliciousness with dryness.
How to Enjoy
Umakara is wonderfully versatile in terms of serving temperature. Enjoy it chilled (around 10-12°C) for maximum crispness and refreshment, at room temperature to bring out the Akinosei rice's character and umami depth, or gently warmed (around 40-45°C) to enhance its comforting, savory qualities. Its dry profile makes it particularly enjoyable warmed, as the heat brings out hidden sweetness and rounds out the acidity.
The Everyday Excellence
What makes Umakara truly special is its ability to elevate everyday dining. This isn't a sake reserved for special occasions - it's designed to make ordinary meals extraordinary. Its clean, dry character never tires the palate, its balanced acidity enhances food rather than competing with it, and its reasonable price point makes it accessible for regular enjoyment. This is sake as it was meant to be - a delicious companion to daily life.
The Umakara Philosophy
The concept of "umakara" - deliciously dry - represents an ideal in sake brewing. It's easy to make sake that is simply dry, or simply flavorful, but achieving both simultaneously requires skill and balance. Umakara succeeds brilliantly, offering the satisfaction of rich flavor alongside the refreshment of crisp dryness. It's a sake that proves everyday drinking sake can be just as carefully crafted and rewarding as premium grades.
Availability
Please note that our sake collection is available for purchase in-store only. Selection may vary depending on the season. If you have any questions about our sake, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to maintain optimal quality. Once open, refrigerate and enjoy within a few weeks.
Discover the perfect balance of delicious and dry with Mansaku No Hana Tokubetsu Junmai "Umakara."