Gekkeikan’s long-standing flagship premium brand, Horin is crafted with utmost care and precision. Two sake rice varieties, Yamada Nishiki — also known as the “king” of sake rice varieties — and Gohyakumangoku, are expertly blended during the brewing process to create this luxurious Junmai Daiginjo sake with a beautiful fruity nose. Its subtle flavors are well-balanced, and it is exceptionally smooth with a long, clean finish. Best served in a wine glass to appreciate the green apple, melon, and pear aromas.

Style

Mild fruity aroma with delicate notes of over-ripe cantaloupe, honeydew and honeysuckle. Round and smooth on the palate, with a medium, creamy body. Finishes long and smooth, with a hint of pear.

AWARDS

Highly Recommended 2008 World Wine Championships Award
Grand Gold Medal2006-2010 Monde Selection

The Gekkeikan Black & Gold Junmai Sake is a masterpiece in blending tradition with innovation. Crafted in Folsom, California, this sake combines Gekkeikan’s traditional brewing techniques with a carefully selected blend of premium sakes. The result is a perfectly balanced Tokubetsu Junmai that stands as one of the leading premium sake brands in the U.S. Its versatility shines as it can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or warm. Notably, it earned Grand Gold at the 2024 National Warm Sake Contest in Japan, the only non-Japanese entry to do so, showcasing its global acclaim.

Tasting Notes

Aroma:

• Bold banana, overripe nectarine, tropical pineapple, mango
• Subtle hints of cherry and almond milk

Palate:

• Sweet banana and tropical fruit sweetness lead the experience
• Thick, smooth mouthfeel transitioning to an umami-driven, refreshing mid-palate

Finish:

• Subtle pineapple and lingering fruit notes
• A long, refreshing finish marked by balanced acidity and umami

Discover the iconic flavor of Gekkeikan Black & Gold at Royal Batch, where premium beverages meet excellence in service. Perfect for pairing with a wide variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own, this sake delivers luxury at an affordable price.

By definition Nigori means ‘cloudy’ and this style of sake is thicker and creamier in texture, with a milk-like appearance. The ‘cloudiness’ comes from the rice sediment which remains in the sake after it has been passed through a special coarse-mesh filter. People in Japan have been enjoying rough-filtering sakes for many centuries.

Style: Characteristically sweet with a creamy medium-body. Hints of honey and tropical fruit, with a long finish.