Hanagaki Blend In Junmai Koshu 16% 500ml

Hanagaki BLEND in Junmai Koshu is a distinctive aged Junmai sake from Nanbu Shuzojo in Ono, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Created by blending several Junmai sakes matured for more than three years, BLEND in was designed to make the complex world of aged Japanese sake approachable, harmonious and enjoyable.

Rather than simply ageing one sake, Hanagaki carefully experiments with different matured Junmai components and blending ratios. The result is a balanced Koshu (aged sake) that combines mature depth with an accessible drinking style. The brewery particularly recommends warming it, which further expands its flavour and aroma.

What Does Hanagaki BLEND in Junmai Koshu Taste Like?

Hanagaki BLEND in Junmai Koshu has a mature, complex and rounded character while remaining surprisingly approachable for an aged sake.

Its attractive golden colour hints at its maturation. Expect developed rice and grain character, mellow sweetness, savoury umami and the depth associated with aged Junmai sake, balanced by a relatively clean and harmonious finish.

Aroma: Mature Rice • Grain • Subtle Sweet Notes
Taste: Mellow • Savoury • Umami • Rounded • Complex
Finish: Rich • Harmonious • Lingering

What Food Pairs Well With Hanagaki BLEND in?

The mature flavours and umami of aged Junmai sake work particularly well with richer and more savoury foods.

Recommended pairings include:

• Yakitori with tare
• Teriyaki
• Sukiyaki
• Grilled pork
• Braised meat
• Mushrooms
• Grilled eel
• Aged cheeses
• Croquettes
• Takoyaki
• Soy-based dishes
• Roasted or caramelised foods

Its mature character makes it particularly interesting with dishes that might overpower a delicate Ginjo sake.

What Is the Best Serving Temperature?

Recommended: Chilled, room temperature or gently warmed

One of the strengths of Hanagaki BLEND in is its versatility. The official brewery lists cold, room temperature and nurukan (gently warmed) as suitable serving styles.

For the best experience, recommended:

Chilled: 10–15°C — cleaner and lighter
Room temperature: 18–22°C — fuller aged character
Nurukan: around 40°C — richer umami and mature aromas

What Makes Hanagaki BLEND in Special?

Hanagaki began storing sake for long-term maturation in 1990. BLEND in grew from the brewery’s decades of experimentation with aged sake.

Product Specifications

Product Name: Hanagaki BLEND in Junmai Koshu
Japanese Name: 花垣 BLEND in 純米古酒
Brewery: Nanbu Shuzojo
Brand: Hanagaki (花垣)
Origin: Ono, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Category: Aged Sake / Koshu
Sake Type: Junmai
Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Rice Koji
Ageing: Blend of several Junmai sakes aged more than 3 years
Rice Polishing Ratio: 60%
Alcohol: 16% ABV
Volume: 500ml
Taste Profile: 熟酒 Juku-shu – Aged Sake
Serving: Chilled / Room Temperature / Gently Warmed
Storage: Cool, dark place

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hanagaki BLEND in Junmai Koshu?

Hanagaki BLEND in is a Junmai Koshu (aged sake) from Fukui, Japan, made by blending several Junmai sakes matured for more than three years.

What does Hanagaki BLEND in taste like?

It offers a mellow, mature and umami-rich profile with developed rice character and the complexity expected from aged sake, while being blended specifically for balance and drinkability.

What does Koshu mean in sake?

Koshu (古酒) means aged or matured sake. Unlike fresh sake, maturation can introduce deeper colour, richer aromas and more developed savoury and complex flavours.

How long is Hanagaki BLEND in aged?

It is not a single-age sake. Hanagaki creates it by blending several Junmai sakes that have each been aged for more than three years.

What is the rice polishing ratio?

Hanagaki BLEND in has a 60% rice polishing ratio.

What is the alcohol percentage?

Hanagaki BLEND in Junmai Koshu contains 16% alcohol by volume.

Is Hanagaki BLEND in sweet or dry?

The brewery focuses on describing the sake as balanced and harmonious rather than assigning it a published SMV. Its mature flavour can give an impression of mellow sweetness alongside rich umami, so I would avoid labelling it simply “sweet” or “dry.”

Can Hanagaki BLEND in be served warm?

Yes. This is actually one of its selling points. Hanagaki recommends it cold, at room temperature or gently warmed, noting that warming further develops its flavour.

Is Hanagaki BLEND in good for someone new to aged sake?

Yes. Hanagaki specifically positions BLEND in as a casual introduction to the world of aged sake, focusing on drinkability and balance.