For those who love fermentation
Amazake is a great drink to chill in the summer
"Splash" from Niida Honke
A 160ml bottle of "Amasake Splash" costs 400 yen. The Niida Honke package design was created by Moe Furuya of "Study and Design," and the striking handwritten characters were created by calligrapher Eriko Yamashita. 
Since its release in 2019, the number of repeat customers has been increasing. With a thick texture, the fruity aroma and sourness of white koji spreads across your palate as you drink it. It's truly a "splash!" 
There is also a set of 6 bottles available for 2,400 yen.
Niida Honke is a brewery in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, that is dedicated to producing "natural sake." Founded in 1711 (the first year of the Shotoku era) in the mid-Edo period, the 17th-generation owner is known for being the first in Japan to sell natural sake without added brewing alcohol in 1967. Since 2003, they have been brewing sake exclusively using natural rice grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and natural water, making them one of the few breweries in Japan to do so.
Furthermore, in 2011, the 300th anniversary of the company's founding, it became Japan's first "all-natural rice brewery" to produce 100% natural rice and 100% pure rice, and the 18th head brewer, Niida Yasuhiko, has returned to 300 years ago and is sincerely exploring the brewing methods of the mid-Edo period.
Their signature product, the "Shizenshu" series, is made using the traditional four-stage "kumidashi yondan" brewing method passed down at the brewery, and is brimming with the rich flavor and sweetness of rice. The subtle acidity and juiciness, which are the result of the kimoto brewing method and no added yeast (only the brewery's own yeast is used), are also charms unique to natural sake.
"Amasake Splash" is a popular amazake series from Niida Honke in the non-alcoholic category. While "Koji Amazake" is made with yellow koji made from natural rice, this type is made with 100% white koji made from natural rice. It features a refreshing acidity created by the white koji, making it easy to gulp down even in the hot season. This pleasant sourness is best enjoyed ice-cold in the summer!
It's sugar-free and non-alcoholic, so it's a great gift for anyone. It's a healthy-tasting masterpiece that's a must-try for both amazake fans and those who don't like the sweetness of amazake!
