Sugata

"Sugata" is a cult-favorite brand led by Iinuma Meijo, born from a pursuit to deliver sake in its "born as-is state" (umareta mama no sugata). The name is derived from the "Sugatami no Ike" (Mirror Pond) linked to the local Yao Bikuni legend, while also symbolizing the pure, untouched state of the sake—freshly pressed, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted.
The hallmark of this brand is the combination of overwhelming fruitiness and transparency, achieved through the labor-intensive "all box-koji" method. Upon the first sip, a juicy, floral aroma reminiscent of apples and peaches spreads across the palate, accompanied by a rich sweetness. These elements are brilliantly tied together by a refined acidity and a strikingly clean finish, creating perfect harmony.
By using different sake rice varieties for each season to express their unique characters in a "raw" state, the Sugata series encapsulates Iinuma Meijo's technique and passion in every drop. With a rarity stemming from small-batch production and a vivid personality that stays with you, this is a modern-classic masterpiece from Tochigi that continues to captivate sake enthusiasts nationwide.