Hokko Masamune Daiginjo Sake
Limited Edition “Magnolia” Borremans
Discovering the Art of Hokko Masamune
A Sake That Brings Tradition to the Table
Every now and then, something extraordinary comes along that captures not just the essence of tradition but also the spirit of modern creativity. Enter Hokko Masamune, a limited-edition daiginjo sake that marries the meticulous craftsmanship of the Japanese brewery Kadoguchi Shuzoten with the artistic vision of Belgian artist Michaël Borremans.
This isn’t just any sake—this is an expression of the past and present, distilled (or should I say, brewed) into a single bottle. With only 500 bottles and 60 magnums available across Europe, Hokko Masamune is a celebration of heritage, flavor, and a bit of artistic flair. And you know what? This sake doesn’t only look beautiful, it tastes like a masterpiece too.
From the Snowy Alps to Your Glass
Hokko Masamune is a sake with a story. Produced by Kadoguchi Shuzoten, a brewery founded in 1869 and nestled in the snowy Japanese Alps, this sake is steeped in tradition. The master brewer, Muramatsu Yuya, oversees the process during the harsh winters when heavy snow blankets the brewery. Imagine the pristine, crystal-clear water from those mountains making its way into your glass—there’s something undeniably pure about it.
What makes Hokko Masamune so special, though, is its rice. The Kinmon Nishiki rice, sourced from Nagano's Kijimadaira village, is polished to an impressive 39%, meaning that 61% of the rice grain is meticulously milled away. This level of precision produces a sake that is light, fragrant, and deeply refined. With an alcohol content of 15%, it strikes the perfect balance—smooth on the palate yet rich in flavor.
This is the kind of sake you savor, taking in its crisp aroma and soft texture, enjoying the journey as it unfolds sip by sip.
The Fusion of Art and Sake
But it’s not just the drink itself that makes Hokko Masamune unique. The label—yes, the label!—features the artwork of Michaël Borremans, a Belgian painter known for his complex, sometimes enigmatic works. For this limited edition, Borremans chose his painting "Magnolia" (2016) to grace the bottle, giving this sake a visual appeal that makes it stand out even before you pop it open.
Borremans, who is no stranger to the Japanese art scene, collaborated with designer Rie Shimoda to create the perfect fusion of east meets west. And as a sake enthusiast himself, Borremans brings his personal touch to this bottle, making it more than just a drink—it’s a collector's piece.
The Intricacies of Sake Brewing
Before you pour that glass of Hokko Masamune, here’s a little nugget of information that might surprise you. Sake, or more accurately "nihonshu," is a fermented beverage, not distilled like spirits. It’s brewed from rice and water, and the magic happens through the addition of koji, a type of mold that converts the rice starch into fermentable sugars. From there, yeast takes over, transforming the sugars into alcohol.
The rice polishing process, known as seimaibuai, plays a key role in the quality of the sake. The outer layers of the rice grain contain oils and proteins that can affect the flavor, so the more the rice is polished, the purer the flavor. For Hokko Masamune, that polishing rate is 39%, which is considered extremely high, signaling that this is a sake of exceptional quality.
And no, you don’t need to heat it up in little cups or use it only for cooking! Premium sake like Hokko Masamune is best enjoyed chilled in a proper glass, allowing you to appreciate its full range of flavors and aromas.
A Taste of Kaori’s Passion
Hokko Masamune wouldn’t be available to us in Europe without the passion of Kaori. Founded in 2018 by Annabelle Maes and Joost Sunt, Kaori has become a gateway to Japanese culture for many. The duo's love for Japan is evident in every carefully curated bottle they offer. Kaori means “aroma” in Japanese, and it’s a fitting name because they truly focus on the sensory experience—whether you’re enjoying a tasting at their Experience Center or exploring the range of sakes they distribute.
Hokko Masamune is just one of the many gems they’ve brought to the European market, but it certainly stands out for its exclusivity and its story. With only 500 bottles available, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience—one that art lovers and sake enthusiasts alike will appreciate.
If you’re like me and find joy in discovering products that combine tradition, artistry, and a touch of exclusivity, then Hokko Masamune should definitely be on your radar. It’s a sake that doesn’t just deliver in terms of flavor, but also offers a rich story of heritage, craftsmanship, and collaboration across cultures.
Whether you’re new to sake or a seasoned enthusiast, this is one bottle you won’t want to miss out on. And who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire you to explore more of what Japan has to offer, one sip at a time.
Sake Food Pairing
No blog post of mine would be complete without food. Yesterday we not only had a this delicious sake at the Japanese embassy in Brussels, but also a food pairing with appetizers by Robuusk in Bruges. The delicate flavors married perfectly with the exquisite sake. They revisited Belgian classics in a Japanese style. Offering us a very interesting take on eel in green (paling in’t groen), beef tartare and Balfego tuna.
Where to buy
Hokko Masamune Daiginjo Sake
To answer to question on everybody’s mind, here are two places you can get your hands on these collectible Sake bottles:
Online on the Kaori website:
Check it out here
Online on the Cru website:
Check it out here
