Day 137 Drink: Zipang Sparkling Sake

Gekkeikan Sake Co., based in Kyoto, Japan, was founded in 1637 by the Okura family. With nearly 400 years and 14 generations of sake brewing experience, Gekkeikan, one of the oldest-family operated businesses in the world. It has been the official sake of Japan’s Imperial Household for almost a century.

Zipang Sparkling Sake is perfectly clear with a bright effervescence. The aroma is slightly sweet, with a touch of floral. The flavor is sort of a cross between a dry sparkling wine and a cider. The maker recommends drinking it neat or in a cocktail.

Day 88 Drink: Haiku Premium Select Sake

Gekkeikan Sake makes sake in both Japan and California. The brand dates back to 1637 when it was created by the Okura family. Gekkeikan means "Crown of Laurel" in Japanese.

In Japan, the Gekkeikan facility is located in Fushimi. In the U.S., the company's facility gets its rice from the Sacramento Valley. Sake is brewed from rice, water, koji and yeast. The brew ferments for around a month and then aged from three to six months.

Gekkeikan's Haiku Premium Select is made will 40 percent milled rice and is classified as Tokubetsu Junmai. The 15 percent alcohol by volume sake has a slight pear aroma and has an extremely faint straw color. The flavor is apple like with a good level of acidity that helps it finish very dry.