The story behind Momokawa
Momokawa traces its family line to Oirase-cho in Aomori Prefecture, where Kuramatsu Murai opened full commercial brewing in 1889. The American chapter began in 1992, when SakéOne set up in Forest Grove, Oregon, and started brewing commercially in 1997. It is the only cedar koji room in the United States, and that room does the quiet work.
Calrose rice from the Sacramento Valley, milled to a 58 percent polish ratio, meets naturally low iron Willamette Valley water. No ocean crossing, no heat in a container, no import tax stacked on top. That is why a Ginjo this clean lands on our shelf at a value price, and why we have poured it for Long Island customers for years.
Explore the Momokawa range
Five expressions cover the lineup, from a crisp weekday Ginjo to an unfiltered Genshu with real weight. All are brewed domestically and all are best served cold.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Sake 750mL | Junmai Ginjo | 29.6 | Medium dry, apple, pear, melon, mild anise |
| Silver Sake 750mL | Ginjo | 29 | Dry, crisp, mineral, citrus with subtle spice |
| Pearl Genshu 750mL | Nigori Genshu | 30 to 32 | Unfiltered, cloudy, thick, tropical fruit, coconut |
| Ruby Junmai Ginjo 750mL | Junmai Ginjo | 28 to 29.6 | Medium rich, melon, lime, pineapple, lychee |
| Junmai Ginjo Sake Set 300mL | Junmai Ginjo | 29.6 | Small format tasting set, chilled, white wine glass |
Which Momokawa is right for you?
Sake this good usually carries an import premium. Momokawa does not, because it never leaves the country. Diamond and Silver sit at $12.99 for a 750mL, Pearl Genshu and Ruby Junmai Ginjo at $14.99, and the 300mL Junmai Ginjo Sake Set at $19.99. Compare that to a Japanese Ginjo of the same polish and you will see the gap. Buy Momokawa online and pick it up curbside in Commack, or take local delivery across Nassau and Suffolk.
Crisp and medium dry, it stays out of the way of raw fish and rice.
Cloudy and semi sweet, it cools spicy noodles and bold BBQ.
Lychee and pineapple notes reward a white wine glass and a chill.