Abe (720 ml) Abe + Junmai, Niigata Prefecture

Item Number: 23243

UPC: 0-850062561526

Country: Japan
Region: Chubu
Sub Region: Niigata Prefecture
Estate Grown Wine: No
Grape(s): Sake / Kasu-tori Shochu
Type: Sake - Junmai
Style: Junmai
Bottle Size: 720 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Glass Stopper
Alc by Vol(%): 15

Special Process: Hashira Shochu Shikomi

ABE+ represents the next evolution of Abe Shuzo’s sake production, combining traditional brewing with house-distilled kasu-tori shochu made from their own sake lees. The resulting sake bridges the richness and savory depth of junmai sake with the lifted aromatics and crisp finish brought by shochu.

This unique brewing technique, known as Hashira Shochu Shikomi, dates back to Japan’s Edo period. In this method, distilled shochu is added directly to the fermenting sake mash, enhancing preservation, sharpening texture, and allowing ginjo aromas to express more vividly. Due to its labor-intensive nature, very few breweries in Japan continue to practice it today.

Driven by their philosophy of “enjoying fermentation,” Abe Shuzo introduced their own distillation apparatus in 2023 and began producing Hashira Shochu Shikomi sake in 2024. The inaugural ABE+ series debuted in fall 2024, showcasing the brewery’s innovative spirit while honoring historical Japanese brewing traditions.