Roga Junmai Daiginjo: Premium LA Sake

Editor’s note: This is a sponsored review. However, the opinions shared are our own and independent.

Last Updated 1/28/21

Roga Junmai Daiginjo is an elegant and fruity sake from the innovative Yaegaki brewery in California. It offers a rare combination of premium Yamada Nishiki rice, a low carbon footprint, and an affordable price.

This post will explain why we like Roga, what it tastes like, and where to get your own. You’ll also find food pairing recommendations, serving suggestions, and more.

What’s the Story of Roga Junmai Daiginjo?

Roga sake combines the best possible ingredients with brewing skills honed for over 350 years.

Brewing sake in sunny California has its advantages. They can also offer their sake at industry-low prices. All this adds up to perhaps the best value Junmai Daiginjo on the market.

These factors make it one of the best sakes for beginners and enthusiasts.

Roga Uses California-Grown Yamada Nishiki Rice

Roga is one of the only US sake brands using premium Yamada Nishiki sake rice.

For a long time, US sake brewers have had to make do with Calrose. This medium-grain table rice is tasty to eat but is not ideal for brewing sake.

The best sakamai (sake rice) types from Japan were not available. But recently, a few American farmers have successfully cultivated Yamada Nishiki. Often called the king of sake rice, it is the most popular type used for sake brewing.

Roga Junmai Daiginjo uses Yamada Nishiki that’s harvested and milled in the Central Valley of California.

You’ll find a link to our Yamada Nishiki sake rice guide at the bottom of this post.

Los Angeles Sake: A Small Footprint Delivering Big Value

Sake is booming in the US. This increase in popularity has coincided with a movement towards local and sustainable products. So rather than ship their sake 5,500+ miles across the Pacific, Roga aims to deliver the same quality without the huge footprint.

This isn’t a new idea. Yaegaki, the maker of Roga, set up shop in Vernon, California back in 1987. Many other North American breweries have followed since. But most have not survived.

The big difference is that until recently, none had access to premium Japanese sake rice. Roga Junmai Daiginjo’s use of California-grown Yamada Nishiki rice is a game-changer. No other sakamai (sake rice) is as prized.

A typical Junmai Daiginjo from Japan will retail for at least $35. Roga Junmai Daiginjo’s price is less than $20.

No sake on the market can compete with this price.

With Roga Junmai Daiginjo, you can save money and live better.

Roga Junmai Daiginjo Tasting Notes

Roga Junmai Daiginjo is a clear sake with a hint of yellow color. It is has a moderate aromatic intensity and is quite fruity. Highlights include Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, and lychee.

The first sip of Roga is creamy with a faintly sweet impression.

This sake is vibrant!

Citrus and apple flavors are present, along with notes of ripe peach and yuzu curd. A taste similar to fresh steamed rice balances this otherwise fruity sake.

Other notes include Bartlett pear, bubblegum, wet concrete, and perfume.

When all is said and done, Roga finishes quick, clean, and dry.

The Takeaway: Who will Like Roga Junmai Daiginjo?

This is an unmistakably pretty beverage. Anyone that likes fruity sake will enjoy Roga. So too will women and younger drinkers that might find wine to be too acidic or harsh.

Roga reminds a little of viognier. It has a similarly creamy profile with a very fruity nature. So there’s some crossover appeal for wine drinkers.
And indeed, that’s one of the reasons why Roga uses a label reminiscent of Californian wine.

Finally, the affordable price-point will appeal to a wide swath of drinkers. Most Junmai Daiginjo sakes of this quality will cost at least $35 retail. Roga is basically half as expensive. Enough said.

Serving Suggestions for Roga Sake

The best way to enjoy Roga Junmai Daiginjo is with a slight chill. This is true for most premium Junmai Daiginjo sake, by the way.

Too much heat will burn off the pretty aromas, which are half the fun of this style. If you like hot sake, it’s usually best to stick to lower grades like Junmai and Honjozo.

This is the perfect sake to serve in a wine glass. It’s fragrant, wine-like bouquet will shine. Wine glasses also make sake seem drier. If you prefer a more delicate and sweet profile, we recommend smaller cups like o-choko.

Pairing Roga Junmai Daiginjo With Your Next Meal

The simplest way to enjoy Roga Junmai Daiginjo is as an aperitif. This is an elegant way to start a meal.

Roga Junmai Daiginjo pairs well with many popular Japanese dishes. Sashimi, raw oysters, grilled hamachi kama, salads, and shrimp tempura are excellent matches with Roga. Salmon, tuna, black cod, and mackerel are all oily fish that you should try with this sake.

Additionally, Roga sake is a nice pairing with many non-Japanese foods. Try it with charcuterie, lobster beurre blanc, grilled scallops, and fresh, mild cheeses.

About the Yaegaki Sake Brewery

Yaegaki (八重垣) was founded in 1666, in Himeji, Hyogo. They’re one of the most well-regarded sake breweries in the industry. The Himeji area has many sake breweries but is less famous than the Nada sake brewing region in nearby Kobe.

In 1987, Yaegaki began brewing sake in California. They offer US consumers a mix of Himeji-brewed sake like Mu Junmai Daiginjo and affordable American-made sake.

Yaegaki’s Official Website: English / 日本語

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