True Sake Selections – Say Hello To Our Newest “TSS” From Miyagi Prefecture
Yay! We are so stoked to introduce to the US Market the first offering from Nakayu Sake Brewery in Miyagi Prefecture called Tenjo Mugen “Umakuchi” Tokubetsu Junmai. And we have to say a big thank you to David Sakamoto of Jizake Quest for importing this amazing sake that is Exclusive to True Sake on the retail side and available in select restaurants.
Tenjo Mugen is our 8th TSS sake and is perhaps the most critically acclaimed as it won Gold and was runner up to Isojiman in the Junmai category (Hiroki was 4th place) in the Japan-based “Sake Competition 2025.” And fortunately for us their President visited True Sake right after SAKE DAY to tell us the inside scoop on this wonder-brew that is an “Umakuchi” sake. What the heck is that? Well, if a sake is “Amakuchi” it is a sweet-mouth sake, and if it is “Karakuchi” it is a dry-mouth sake. This sake however is an “Umakuchi” which in this case means it is an Umami-driven sake or Umami-mouth sake that is a lush, plush, and velvety ride on the umami side.
Using Miyagi Hitomebore brewing rice milled to 60%, with an SMV of +1 and an Acidity of 1.4, this sake was referred to as a “Gateway” sake by Shacho, who said they made it first to be the center of their lineup for the customers to choose. When we asked what that meant, he said that it’s a “center sake” and their other brews go dryer or sweeter, and it’s like ground zero for the base style of their brewery. He also said that they use a yeast “with foam.” And he stressed the foam, because in the sake universe most brewers stay away from foam-yeasts, because they are more work. Foamless yeasts, the “01’s” are easier to control and have better balance, and he was very proud to say that their “design” for this Tokubetsu Junmai required the “problems and virtues” of using a foaming yeast. I said it makes the sake a little fluffier and round, and he said, “exactly.”
He also said that this is one of those sakes that drinks great chilled and even better as it comes to room temperature. Then, he followed it up and said it’s perfect for warming lightly. I was impressed with his enthusiasm for the “design” of this Tenjo Mugen, as if it was more a work of art than a formula sake.
We are very excited to offer this sake to you enthusiasts and promise that you will find a new home in “Umakuchi” style sake. And Mei discovered this brew on her Miyagi Trip February 2025, but she doesn’t want you to know that!
Tenjo Mugen "Umakuchi" TRUE SAKE EXCLUSIVE
From Miyagi Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai. SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this True Sake Selection is an amazing collection of cereal, cocoa, brown sugar, yam, nougat, whipped cream, custard, molasses, mochi, and malted aromas. Exclusive to True Sake, this is a super drinkable rich-lite brew that is clean, but velvety with an emphasis on soft umami, and a slipperiness that excels in a wine glass. Smooth, creamy, round, fluffy, buoyant, with a water-like plumpness, and a silky texture, it drinks more elegantly as it warms. Look for milk bread, caramel, roasted peanuts, butterscotch, brown sugar, pudding cup, vanilla bean, marshmallow, crème brulee, peanut brittle, chocolate malt balls, and a luscious load of umami with a world-class finish. More umami and cocoa appear as the fluid warms, and behold a slippery goodness in a sake that punches way above its price-point. WORD: Umami WINE: Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: Izakaya fare, fried, grilled, greasy, savory, comfort foods, burgers, sandwiches, yakitori, fried chicken, Philly cheesesteak, burritos, pork chops, soups, stews, and roasts.