Gekkeikan Sake

A classic taste of Japanese sake.
Few names are more closely associated with sake than Gekkeikan. Founded in Kyoto in 1637, the house has been brewing sake for centuries, and its traditional style remains one of the most approachable ways to discover Japan's famous rice wine. Clean, balanced and wonderfully versatile, Gekkeikan Sake combines gentle savoury character with refreshing acidity and a subtle fruitiness that makes it remarkably easy to enjoy.

Brewed from rice, water and yeast, sake is made through a unique fermentation process in which rice starch is converted into fermentable sugars before being transformed into alcohol. Gekkeikan's version is deliberately balanced rather than overly aromatic or sweet, offering a clean and rounded expression with herbal notes, a touch of earthiness and refreshing hints of grapefruit. The result is a sake with enough character to stand up to food while remaining approachable for newcomers.

For sake lovers and curious wine drinkers in Ireland, Gekkeikan is an excellent bottle to have in the cupboard. It bridges the gap between wine and spirits beautifully, working with everything from sushi and tempura to grilled fish, vegetables and richer Asian-inspired dishes. Better still, it can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature or gently warmed, making it one of the most versatile bottles in the category.

Why we love it:
Gekkeikan is a brilliant introduction to traditional sake because it manages to be distinctive without being difficult. Its clean, gently savoury character is balanced by refreshing acidity and subtle grapefruit and herbal notes, while the smooth texture makes it easy to enjoy with or without food. And unlike many wines, you can experiment with the serving temperature — chilled for freshness, or gently warmed for a softer, more rounded expression.