About the brewery : Asahara Shuzo is a family-run brewery based in Saitama Prefecture, in the hills above the Chichibu Mountains, north-west of Tokyo. It was founded in 1882 by Zenjiro Asahara when he was just 29, and is now run by Kenichi Asahara, the 5th generation.  Saïtama is a relatively new area for sake production, and does not enjoy the same reputation as some of the more traditional regions. This recent history has prompted Asahara Shuzo to innovate a great deal to attract attention. Today it offers products with a strong character, produced by two very young Toji in their early thirties. These dynamic brewers were trained directly by Kenichi Asahara, a master in the art of handling yeast.

Tasting Advice : A junmai that's unashamedly up there with the ginjos. Musashino is floral and rich, without being overpowering, and as such can accompany a wide variety of meals, meat or fish, throughout the meal. It is also an excellent sake to start with as an aperitif.