Gekkeikan (meaning “crown of laurel”) is the world’s most popular sake brand. Founded in 1637 by the Okura family, The House of Gekkeikan has been making the world’s finest sake with nearly 400 years and 14 generations of sake brewing experience. So who else can present the premium sake than this one of the oldest family-operated companies in the world. Their latest product is Suzaku – the new premium sake. Suzaku, meaning “guardian of the South,” refers to the mythological Japanese name for the Vermillion bird and is the first-ever Junmai Ginjo-Shu or “Ginjo” to be introduced to Gekkeikan’s portfolio in the U.S.
Made from a combination of fresh spring water, yeast, koji and the finest rice, Suzaku is carefully fermented at a low temperature to produce its fine fruity aroma that includes delicate notes of pear, honeydew and pineapple. The taste is remarkably smooth on the palate with a creamy body that leads to a light fruit finish. Suzaku complements an array of foods ranging from light fare dishes such as grilled white fish and seared scallops to rich flavored meats such as BBQ pork and beef ribs.
Suzaku is available nationwide in the 720ml and 300ml sizes with a suggested retail price of $24.99 (720ml). This premium sake is best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature.
About the House of Gekkeikan: In 1637, Gekkeikan’s founder, Jiemon Okura established his sake brewery in the town of Fushimi, a location well-known for its high quality of water. Access to the ideal ingredients combined with a convenient location enabled Okura and his successors’ business to thrive in the years that followed.
In 1905, the brand name GEKKEIKAN was adopted as the company’s formal pledge to excellence. Through this commitment, the company became a true leader in the industry and pioneered a number of research and development efforts. The successful results of these endeavors have enabled Gekkeikan to become the nation’s one of the most popular brand. With a greater world wide appreciation of Japanese cuisine over the last decades, Gekkeikan sake has been experiencing a tremendous growth in popularity.
To meet this increase in demand, Gekkeikan Sake (USA) , Inc. was established in Folsom, California in 1989. Today, Gekkeikan’s passion for pleasing the sake connoisseur remains unchanged. Dedicated just as the founder was over 370 years ago, both Gekkeikan Japan and Gekkeikan USA continue the tradition of both taste and quality.
