Delicious alcohol is a welcome gift for a fun gathering with friends. On a sweltering summer day, why not try a refreshing sake with a label depicting a penguin perched on ice and a blue bottle?


Tamagawa Junmai Ginjo Ice Breaker (500ml, 1,188 yen/refrigerated) from Kinoshita Sake Brewery in Kyoto's Tango region is an unfiltered, unpasteurized sake available only in the summer. Brewed by Philip Harper, a British brewer who became Japan's first foreign master brewer, this rare sake can be enjoyed on the rocks with ice. We recommend pouring it into a glass and sipping it while letting the ice melt, savoring the changes in alcohol content and flavor. Its cool appearance might lead you to imagine a drink with a refreshing taste, but it actually has a robust flavor, a pleasant acidity, and a crisp finish that's perfect for a summer sake. The sound of the ice cracking when poured into the glass and the "clank" sound it makes with each sip are also very refreshing. This rare sake, served chilled with ice, is sure to be a hot topic!


The product name, "Icebreaker," was chosen with two meanings: the style of drinking it on the rocks, and also the English word "something that lightens up a place or atmosphere." A unique sake is sure to be the perfect icebreaker, helping to create a fun summer experience with friends!