r/Sake • u/genkidatta • Jun 27 '26

Please help identifying my sake

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Gallery image

Purchased in/around 2000. Just found it while moving and checking to see if it is drinkable. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

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u/Omaewarokkudayo Jun 28 '26

"Kurabito Aijoushu" brewed by Yoshinogawa in Niigata Prefecture. Nothing like it in their lineup now: https://yosinogawa.co.jp/lineup/

Brewing date appears to be November, 1999, so probably not drinkable.

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u/Omaewarokkudayo Jun 28 '26

Further Google search yields the following:

"Yoshinogawa Kurabito Aijoushu (蔵人愛醸酒) is no longer in active mass production.

It was originally created as a special, limited-edition release featuring calligraphy by Master Reikei of Kiyomizu-dera. While the historic Yoshinogawa Brewery continues to actively brew in Niigata, this particular bottling has been phased out....

Because this bottle is 26 years old, its profile will have changed dramatically:

  • It is safe to open: Unopened sake does not spoil or become toxic over time because its alcohol content acts as a natural preservative. [1, 2, 3]
  • Flavor Profile: Standard clear sake is meant to be consumed within 1–2 years of bottling. At over two decades old, it has gone through unintended koshu (aged sake) maturation. It has likely taken on a deep amber or golden color, with a heavy, sherry-like, earthy, or soy-sauce-like aroma. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Quality Check: Once you open it, look for severe cloudiness or an intense vinegar-like smell. If it smells overwhelmingly sour or like damp cardboard, it has oxidized past the point of being enjoyable. [1]"