Welcome to Mai, your go-to destination for Japanese sake.
Seasonal Release
Seasonal Release
Winter-only freshly pressed sake!
Rakufumai Shiboritate is the very first taste of the new brewing year. This winter-only sake has just arrived in the UK and is available in extremely limited quantities.
Shiboritate refers to sake that is bottled immediately after pressing, capturing it at its freshest and most vibrant. In Japan, these releases are eagerly awaited each winter, similar to Beaujolais Nouveau in the wine world for their early arrival and strong sense of seasonality.
Brewed using the rare sake rice Rakufumai, which is surprising to come across even in Japan, this sake is designed to highlight clarity, freshness and balance. The aroma is bright and refreshing, with notes of green apple, citrus fruits and a hint of mint, complemented by a subtle minerality.
On the palate, it is crisp and lively, with a clean, refreshing acidity that cuts beautifully through the gentle sweetness and umami. The overall impression is light and dangerously drinkable, with a dry, clean finish that invites another sip.
Izumibashi Brewery suggests pairing the sake with fresh and lightly seasoned dishes such as carpaccio, salt-lemon tempura, fried vegetables or seafood. It is best enjoyed chilled to emphasise its freshness, though it can also be enjoyed gently warmed for a softer winter expression.
This is a true seasonal sake, released only once a year. Once sold out, it will not be available again until the next brewing season.
Rakufumai Shiboritate is the very first taste of the new brewing year. This winter-only sake has just arrived in the UK and is available in extremely limited quantities.
Discover the finest sake, crafted with care for anyone who loves an exceptional sip.
Easy to choose, perfect to share, and made for meaningful moments.
Fruity & Floral
Aromatic, fresh, and fruity, often the perfect introduction for sake newcomers.
Crisp & Dry
Crisp, dry, and moreish, often featuring subtle cereal notes or delicate minerality.
Full & Rich
Full-bodied and savoury, with a rich umami depth that often complements hearty dishes.
What is sake?
Timeless, Versatile, and Made to Savour.
Sake is Japan’s national drink, with a rich history and incredible variety. From delicate to bold, warm or chilled, there’s a perfect sake for every moment. The average alcohol content is around 15%, a touch higher than wine. With that being said, sake is a fermented beverage and not a spirit, so it should be sipped and savoured.
Kagami Biraki Sake Barrel Set Hire
Celebrate your special occasion with a timeless Japanese tradition.
Our Kagami Biraki sake barrel set is now available to hire, offering a unique and meaningful way to mark important moments. Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate celebration, restaurant opening, brand launch, or private event, Kagami Biraki creates a powerful shared experience that guests will remember long after the day.
Discover our Blog
If you’re wanting to learn a little more about sake, our blog posts provide bite sized articles covering topics from food pairings to unconventional ways of enjoying it! Check out our most recent post below, or head over to our blog page to find our archive.
Brewery of the Moment: Obata Brewery
Obata Brewery is located in the beautiful and historic Sado Island off the coast of Niigata Prefecture.
Since its establishment in 1892, Obata has evolved into a global-minded, sustainability-focused brewery with the philosophy to ‘Brew Happiness by Brewing Sake’. They are most known for their award-winning ‘Manotsuru’ brand of sake as well as their ‘Gakkogura‘ sake brewing school. This popular week-long sustainable sake brewing experience is the only one of its kind in the world, offered for the past few years at Obata Brewery’s Gakkogura (literally “Brewery School”) on Sado Island.
For a deeper exploration into Obata Brewery, head here.
The world of sake terminology can be confusing. To help you out, check out our whistle-stop tour of sake grades - what they are and how they work.