Nigori is one of the oldest sake styles in Japan, a coarsely filtered sake that leaves behind a portion of the unpressed rice solids, giving the wine its trademark cloudy, milk-white appearance and gently sweet character. Gekkeikan's version is brewed in the historic Fushimi district of Kyoto, the home of one of Japan's most storied sake houses.

Pour gently or invert the bottle briefly before opening to integrate the rice sediment, then settle the glass to enjoy a thick, creamy texture. The aroma is soft and pillowy with notes of fresh rice, ripe banana, honeydew melon and a touch of cultured cream. The palate is rounded and gently sweet, balanced by clean acidity that keeps the finish crisp and refreshing rather than cloying.

Best served well-chilled and an ideal foil for spicy food: red curry, kimchi-laced dishes, Sichuan or Korean barbecue, and a fiery laksa. It also makes a memorable, slightly indulgent pairing with stone fruit salads, soft white cheeses or a panna cotta for dessert.