Lei

ABV: 12%

Volume: 720ml

Brewery: Katsuyama

Origin: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Grade: Junmai Daiginjo

Rice Polishing Ratio: 55%

Best Serving Temperature: 5°C - 8°C

Storage: Keep in a cool, dark and dry place

While sweet, Lei offers an array of food pairing possibilities, seamlessly transitioning from aperitivo hour to your main course and all the way to dessert.

For a refreshing aperitif, serve this sake chilled to around 5 degrees Celsius. Experiment with pairing it alongside charcuterie and other canapés to play with the contrast of sweet and salty flavours.

As the temperature rises closer to 10 degrees Celsius, Lei beautifully complements dishes featuring sweet sauces (harmony of sweet flavours), spicy sauces (contrast between sweet and spicy), and tomato-based sauces (harmony of acidity and umami found in both the sake and the dish).

For dessert, go for fruit platters and desserts like fruit tarts.

The name Lei comes from the wagtail, a sacred creature in Japanese mythology and messenger of the gods. The official signature of Date Masamune, founder of the Sendai Domain, happens to resemble the long flowing tail of this bird (originally in the 17th century, the brewery catered exclusively to the feudal lords of the Sendai Domain).

Established in 1688, Katsuyama boasts a sake-making tradition spanning over three centuries.

Originally, the brewery catered exclusively to the feudal lords of the Sendai Domain, established by Japan’s renowned military commander and respected samurai, Date Masamune.

Today, Katsuyama proudly upholds this noble tradition, remaining dedicated to its esteemed reputation.

Distinguished as the only brewery in Japan to adopt the most luxurious and meticulous brewing method, Katsuyama produces only one tank of sake per week, exclusively crafting 'junmai' sake, a pure and undiluted style. The result is a sake with a clean and clear umami profile that complements any cuisine.