"Is this white wine?" A new sensation lemon SAKE crafted by a sake brewery using traditional Japanese techniques.

Hello everyone, this is Amago Brewery.

We often receive comments like these from our customers:
“It’s so smooth, it’s almost more like white wine than sake!”
“It pairs so well with any dish that I finished the bottle in no time…”

Today, we would like to share a few secrets about “Aru Kanya,” our new sensation lemon-infused SAKE, which has earned us such delightful praise. As the brewers, we want to tell you a bit about how it came to be.

■ What is the new sensation SAKE “Aru Kanya” that “drinks like a white wine”?

The refreshing acidity of lemon and the gentle sweetness of rice

When you pour “Aru Kanya” into a glass, the first thing that wafts up is the fresh aroma of lemon. Take a sip, and the signature tangy, refreshing acidity of lemon fills your mouth. Yet, it isn’t just tart. Following that, the rich, gentle sweetness derived from the rice follows, as if wrapping around the acidity. This may be why it possesses a depth and umami flavor distinct from a typical lemon liqueur.

A clean taste that harmonizes fruitiness and umami, easy to drink all night

Some people may have the impression that “sake has a strong alcohol bite and is hard to drink.” While “Aru Kanya” has a substantial body with an alcohol content in the 16% range, the refreshing acidity of the lemon gently softens the harsh, sharp sensation typical of alcohol. We aimed for a “drink you won’t tire of,” with a clean, crisp finish that allows you to relax just like you would with a glass of white wine, making it all too easy to keep reaching for another glass.

■ Why would a sake brewery make lemon alcohol? The secret lies in “sake-brewing techniques”

The difference from commercial liqueurs

When you hear “lemon alcohol,” you might imagine sweet commercial liqueurs or chuhai. However, what we produce is, above all, “authentic alcohol that only a sake brewery can make.” Rather than forcibly flavoring it with essences, we use techniques that maximize the potential of the raw ingredients themselves.

The fusion of pesticide-free “Ueno Lemons” and brewing technology

The foundation of “Aru Kanya” is rooted in traditional sake-brewing techniques.
To our high-quality moromi (the base mash) carefully fermented by our brewers, we add entirely pesticide-free “Ueno Lemons” grown with care in our local region. Because they are pesticide-free, we can luxuriously use even the peel—where the fragrance is concentrated—with peace of mind, fully drawing out that gorgeous aroma that spreads the moment you pour it into a glass. Mobilizing all our skills as professionals of fermentation, we arrived at a brand-new flavor that is “like sake, yet transcends the boundaries of sake.”

■ Japanese, Western, or Chinese—the ultimate versatile pairing for any occasion

Best served well-chilled in a “wine glass”

Our top recommendation is to chill it well in the refrigerator and serve it in a wine glass. The aroma opens up beautifully in the glass, further highlighting the crispness of the lemon.

A pro-tip from our customers! The ultimate 1:1 soda mix

There is one other wonderful way to drink it that several customers have shared with us. Try mixing “Aru Kanya” with carbonated water in a 1:1 ratio. The gorgeous aroma of the Ueno Lemons pops with the fizzy bubbles, offering a delicious, complex depth that goes far beyond your average lemon sour. It’s the perfect trick for when you’re relaxing after a bath or want a more casual refreshment.

The “ultimate table wine” that complements everything from Western to Japanese and Chinese cuisine

Though it can be enjoyed like a white wine, the greatest appeal of “Aru Kanya” is its versatility. Beyond Western dishes like carpaccio or cheese, its refreshing lemon acidity acts as a palate cleanser, even pairing beautifully with delicate, dashi-rich Japanese food or rich, oily Chinese cuisine. You can enjoy it as a “universal dinner sake” that naturally complements any dining table, regardless of the genre or occasion.

■ A glass to make your usual dinner just a little more special

“Sake feels a bit intimidating,” or “I want to enjoy delicious alcohol more casually.” It is for those very people that we have earnestly created “Aru Kanya.”
We hope you experience the way this one glass can turn your ordinary dinner into a slightly more special time.