Gekkeikan is one of Japan's oldest and most respected sake breweries, founded in 1637 in the historic Fushimi district of Kyoto where pure soft water rising from beneath the Momoyama hills has shaped sake brewing for nearly four centuries. This is the brewery's classic everyday sake, a versatile, food-friendly style that has introduced generations of drinkers to the breadth and balance of Japanese rice wine.

Pale straw in the glass, the bouquet is gently fragrant with notes of fresh-steamed rice, ripe banana and a hint of stone fruit. The palate is rounded and smooth, with a soft umami core, mellow sweetness and an elegant dry finish. It is equally rewarding chilled, where the fruit aromatics come to the fore, or gently warmed, which highlights its body and savoury depth.

The handy 300ml format is ideal for enjoying with dinner for two, taking on a picnic, or as a starter pour to share alongside a sushi platter, grilled yakitori, tempura, lightly seared white fish or a bowl of warming udon noodles.