HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 is a unique blended sake from Regis Camus. And it’s a game-changer.
I explain why in this review. You’ll learn how HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 is made, what it tastes like, pairing recommendations, and more. And you can also purchase the sake and have it delivered, as well.
A Revolutionary Junmai
Blending is a common practice when making sake. But not the same way HEAVENSAKE does it.
Most brewers blend multiple batches of sake that use the same ingredients and methods. They may be slightly different but are essentially the same product.
HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 and the other HEAVENSAKE brands combine completely different sake together to make something new and complex.
Konishi Shuzo of Hyogo brews Junmai 12. The brewery was founded in 1550 and is highly respected. HEAVENSAKE founder Regis Camus blends multiple Konishi sake together. And the component sake are milled between 50-70%! That means that Junmai 12 contains sake milled to junmai daiginjo level, which is unprecedented.
Another interesting aspect of Junmai 12 is its alcohol content. It’s only 12% ABV, which is low for sake. Usually, low alcohol sake are sweet, but Junmai 12 is fairly dry. And it has fewer calories as a result, as well.
Let’s dive deeper into the flavor profile of this Hyogo sake.
HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 Specs*
- +2 SMV
- 1.7 Acidity
- 12% ABV
- Brewed with soft water
- Seimaibuai from 50-70%
*Measured values like sake meter value (SMV), acidity, and alcohol content change from year to year.
HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 Tasting Notes
HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 is surprisingly aromatic. Most junmai-grade sake has a subdued fragrance, but this sake has more intensity than most.
Walnut, toasted cashew, and caramel notes are prominent. There are also hints of steamed brown rice and wet concrete.
The flavor offers another surprise. HEAVENSAKE 12 is remarkably light-bodied but rich. It’s also dry with a bright mineral finish.
Overall, there are notes of creme brulee, milk chocolate, coconut, cream, banana, and strawberry.
What a cool sake. And it’s unique too. Fragrant, smooth, and lightweight sake are usually fruity ginjo-shu. Yet Junmai 12 has these characteristics but is savory instead.
Temperature Recommendations
HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 works at a wide range of temperatures.
But in my opinion, it’s best when chilled. The full complexity of the aroma and taste are present.
Room temperature also suits this Hyogo sake. It brings out a rustic charm and a bright mineral finish.
And don’t be afraid to gently warm HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12. I don’t think it tastes as complex this way. But it’s still smooth and interesting. When warm, it’s nutty, honeyed, and chocolatey with a flavor like very hard mineral water.
Using the Right Cup or Glass
This choice is personal.
Many people prefer the traditional feel of ceramic cups. But I like the intensity that wine glasses provide. Luckily, there’s no wrong choice.
HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12 will seem more aromatic, dry, and fresh in a wine glass. And aromas and flavors are easier to detect. But only use glassware if the sake is chilled.
This light-bodied sake almost disappears in the diminutive ochoko. And it tastes a little bit sweeter.
Guinomi are medium-sized sake cups. And they allow a sake to shine, much like a wine glass. But they also have a traditional feel. They’re a great middle-ground between stemware and ochoko.
I dive deep into sake cups and glasses here.
Pairing HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12
There are so many pairings that will work with this junmai.
HEAVENSAKE recommends Junmai 12 with seafood and risotto. And why not?
My first sip had me dreaming of miso-marinated grilled black cod. And I think just about any shellfish will make a good pairing, especially lobster, seared scallop beurre blanc, and grilled king crab.
Also, look out for chicken karaage and tatsuage, tonkatsu, seared duck breast, and chawanmushi.
Get more actionable pairings from my free pairing cheat sheet.
Buy HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12
I may earn a commission on purchases made through the links below.
JUNMAI 12 – $29.99
from: Lucky Sake AG
Conclusion
I haven’t had much sake like HEAVENSAKE Junmai 12.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to label it a tokubetsu junmai. But it’s not like many tokubetsu either.
Junmai 12 is now officially one of my go-to sake. The combo of low alcohol with semi-rich umami will have me coming back.
Have you tasted it yet? If so, what are your thoughts?
And be sure to check out my reviews of the fruity, herbal HEAVENSAKE Junmai Ginjo and the juicy, seductive HEAVENSAKE Junmai Daiginjo!