Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai

Last Updated 4/9/2021

Otokoyama has been the gateway sake for so many fans of the beverage. Its dry, light, and complex nature has been a huge hit on the export market. Today, it’s still as popular as ever.

Take a deep dive into this legendary Hokkaido sake. Learn how it’s made, what it tastes like, where to get the best price, and more.

Otokoyama Sake Overview and Popularity

Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai is one of the first craft sake successes in the US. It’s light, grainy, and very dry. A touch of fruity character adds balance. It can be served at a variety of temperatures and will pair nicely with practically any dish from the izakaya.  

Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai was one of the first quality sake available to the West. It remains one of the most popular today. In fact, it’s so ubiquitous in sushi restaurants and sake bars that it’s almost passé among the sake community. But pass over this Man’s Mountain at your own peril. This balanced sake is a classic for good reason. 

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Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai Tasting Notes

In the glass, Otokoyama has a moderate aromatic intensity. The profile is a good combo of grains, citrus, and apples. This tokubetsu junmai has a soft and compact nature with an underlying minerality. Man’s Mountain is an o-karakuchi sake– which means it’s very dry. 

Pairing Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai

Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai is great with ramen– especially those with soy-based broths. Its presence on any ramen shop’s menu should be considered mandatory. At the sushi bar– uni, kani, salmon and ikura, all things tuna and hamachi/kampachi, and really most sashimi and nigiri, are highly recommended. Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai is also great with tempura. 

Otokoyama Sake Serving Suggestions

One of the great things about Otokoyama sake is its versatility– it can be served at nearly any temperature. There is a sweet spot for temperature, however of either slightly chilled or gently warmed. 

For a feather-light experience– drink this sake in a small o-choko. White wine glasses (for chilled only) will show off the brew’s austere character while highlighting more nooks and crannies. Guinomi, as always, will give you the best of both worlds.

Tech & Production Info

Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai “Man’s Mountain”

Rice: Miyamanishiki 美山錦 milled to 55%   Yeast: #901 (foamless #9)  

SMV: +10 (karakuchi 辛口)  Acid: 1.6   ABV: 15-16%

The Otokoyama Sake Brewery

Brewery: Otokoyama Shuzo 男山酒造    Location: Asahikawa, Hokkaido

EST: 1661   Offical Site: Japanese

AKA: Hokkai Otokoyama 北海男山 to differentiate from other Otokoyama 男山 brands. This brewery is arguably Hokkaido’s most famous– and possibly the biggest name in the North American sake scene. They introduced quality sake (Tokutei meisho-shu 特定名称酒) in the late 70’s/early 80’s to much of the world and forever changed the market.

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Label Translation

Otokoyama Shuzo 男山酒造  Otokoyama 男山

Hokkai Otokoyama 北海男山

Tokubetsu Junmai 特別純米醸

Miyamanishiki 美山錦

Asahikawa-shi 旭川市  Hokkaido 北海道