First time ever introduced in Australia, this is Shimane prefecturea's world famous premium brewery Rihakue's high standard special Junmai. Rihaku Tokubetsu Junmai has a couple reasons why they call it "Tokubetsu", which means Special in Japanese. The first reason is that 100% premium sake rice called Gohyakumangoku grown locally in Shimane is used for this sake even though Junmai is not the highest grade of sake and it is more for everyday drinking. (Sake rice is bigger sized and better quality rice for sake making than normal eating rice. Rihaku Shuzo uses 100% premium sake rice for all of their products.) The second reason is they polish this premium sake rice up to 58% (which is 12% more than standard Junmai grade sake rice polishing rate 70%). That means they can even call this sake Junmai Ginjo, however, they are honest to its flavour and they call this sake Tokubetsu Junmai on purpose. This attitude explains how strict their quality control is.

Rihaku Tokubetsu Junmai has a classic Shimane Rihaku style in a flavour. Quiet on your nose but slightly there is a character of Nashi pear. Impact is a little bit strong as Junmai but very clean & semi sweet on your front palate. Then soft & mild richness spread slowly over your mouth with a nice dry finish. This is a sake could match well with slightly oily dishes such as Oyster fly or Karaage chicken. Rihaku's company motto is "Spreading the Sake culture and succeed it properly to the next generation." This is the one of the best quality Junmai sake Japan can offer to the world. MUST TRY!