Shimizu-No-Mai ‘Pure Snow’ Junmai Nigori Sake

Shimizu-No-Mai “Pure Snow” Junmai Nigori brings the classic Nigori style into sharp, modern focus. Brewed in Akita, a northern Japanese region renowned for pristine water and premium sake rice, this bottle showcases what cloudy sake does best: bold texture, generous flavor, and remarkable drinkability. 

As a Junmai Nigori, Pure Snow is left intentionally unfiltered, allowing a portion of the rice lees to remain in the sake. That fine sediment gives the liquid its signature milky look and luxuriously creamy body, while still keeping the profile clean and balanced. Underneath the cloudiness is carefully milled rice, polished to roughly 60–65% of its original size, for a refined core that supports the richer style without feeling heavy. 

On the nose, Pure Snow opens with inviting aromas of ripe melon, Asian pear, and a hint of cucumber. The first sip delivers concentrated sweet-rice character, wrapped in notes of cantaloupe, pear, coconut, and tropical fruit, with subtle ginger adding lift and definition. The texture is full and velvety, but the finish is surprisingly tide, smooth, softly sweet, and edging toward dry, so each sip invites the next instead of overwhelming your palate. 

At about 15.5% ABV, this is a versatile bottle that can start the night or carry you through a meal. Serve it well-chilled and gently shake before pouring to re-suspend the rice sediment. Pure Snow performs beautifully with spicy cuisines: think chili-spiked noodles, Korean fried chicken, or spicy tuna rolls, where its gentle sweetness and creamy texture cool the heat. It also pairs comfortably with rich dishes like pork belly, grilled skewers, or tempura, and transitions effortlessly into dessert alongside tropical fruit salads, coconut desserts, or simple vanilla ice cream. 

Behind the bottle is Akita Shurui Seizoh, a producer formed from historic family breweries dating back to the 17th century and recognized with a long run of top medals at Japan’s National New Sake Awards. That combination of heritage and precision shows in Pure Snow: it’s a Nigori that feels artisan and characterful, yet polished and approachable for anyone exploring cloudy sake for the first time. 

Shimizu-No-Mai “Pure Snow” is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a creamy, fruit-driven sake that stands out on the table, pairs with a wide range of foods, and offers a distinctly Japanese experience in a highly accessible style.