Aya Mizukami

Aya Mizukami

Wine writer WSET Diploma Official columnist for Forbes JAPAN

👤 Reviewer Verified
22
Reviews

Profile

Driven by her deep passion for wine, Aya Mizukami transitioned from the telecommunications industry to the wine industry. She contributes articles to media outlets and specialized publications, including Forbes JAPAN, where she is an official columnist. As a writer for Nihon Wine Kikou (Japan Wine Chronicles), she travels across Japan to interview and report on wineries. Aya holds the J.S.A. Wine Expert certification and the prestigious WSET Diploma, an internationally recognized wine qualification. A lover of Japanese culture, she is also actively engaged in traditional Japanese arts and practices. https://forbesjapan.com/author/detail/2770

Reviews

Osuzuyama Yamaneko Sweet Poteto
Osuzuyama Yamaneko Sweet Poteto

Osuzuyama Joryujo

総合 92.0 /100

Highly aromatic, with vibrant citrus notes intertwined with the comforting aroma of sweet potato cake. The palate is smooth, revealing gentle sweetness from the sweet potato before elegant spice lifts and refines the finish. Approachable even for those who typically shy away from imo shochu.

投稿日: 2026年07月18日

Zaku Megumi no Tomo
Zaku Megumi no Tomo

Shimizu Seizaburō Shōten

総合 92.5 /100

Aromatic notes of tropical fruit and cotton candy are layered with subtle herbal nuances. Gentle sweetness fills the palate while soft acidity wraps smoothly around the tongue. A faint tingling sensation on the finish adds freshness and beautifully completes the balance.

投稿日: 2026年07月18日

Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 39
Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 39

Dassai (Asahi Shuzo)

総合 90.5 /100

Pure aromas of white peach are joined by refreshing notes of pink grapefruit and fresh tomato. Elegant sweetness and well-judged acidity give the palate definition before a clean, refined finish. Exceptionally polished, it is a sake that feels just as natural served in a white wine glass.

投稿日: 2026年07月18日

Kenkonichi Tokubetu Junmai Dry
Kenkonichi Tokubetu Junmai Dry

Oonuma Shuzoten

総合 91.0 /100

Immediately after opening, the nose is moderate, revealing mellow, milky rice-derived nuances. The palate is crisp and dry, driven by refreshing acidity, while a subtle spicy depth lingers on the finish. Given time in the glass, the bouquet opens dramatically into vibrant tropical fruit.

投稿日: 2026年07月18日

Kikuhime Tsurunosato R6BY
Kikuhime Tsurunosato R6BY

Kikuhime

総合 91.5 /100

Savory aromas of broad beans and root vegetables mingle with mature aged notes. Rich rice sweetness and generous umami fill the palate, supported by gentle acidity. A classic, full-bodied style that truly blossoms when served gently warmed.

投稿日: 2026年07月18日

Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai
Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai

Niizawa

総合 90.0 /100

Fresh aromas of white peach and honeyed apple lead into a palate with a delicate cotton candy-like sweetness. A gentle bitterness emerges toward the finish, adding definition and balance. Approachable enough for sake beginners, yet versatile enough to pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes.

投稿日: 2026年07月18日

Adiron 2024
Adiron 2024

Chateau Katsunuma

総合 89.5 /100

From the moment it is poured, an intense bouquet of strawberry, freshly picked table grapes, and a bouquet-like floral sweetness rises from the glass. On the palate, however, it shifts dramatically to a tightly structured, dry profile with sharp acidity—an appealing contrast. The finish is short, clean, and charming, making it a perfect match for a sunny, casual lunch.

投稿日: 2026年06月03日

Seikou Udoku Black Koji
Seikou Udoku Black Koji

Satasouji

総合 91.0 /100

Neat, it delivers a bold, structured dryness with a pronounced alcoholic attack. When diluted with hot water, the profile softens, revealing rich sweetness and body from the sweet potato, leading to a warm, lingering finish. Over ice, the structure tightens, gradually opening into a layered expression of gentle sweetness as the ice melts.

投稿日: 2026年06月03日

Aizumiyaizumi / Junmai
Aizumiyaizumi / Junmai

Miyaizumi Meijo

総合 92.0 /100

The dry palate is supported by elevated acidity, keeping the structure tight and preventing fatigue. Versatile with food and also enjoyable slightly warmed, highlighting its depth and adaptability.

投稿日: 2026年06月03日

On the palate, grain-driven umami expands before leading into a sharply defined, spicy, dry finish. The crisp, thirst-quenching aftertaste makes it an ideal food-pairing sake.

投稿日: 2026年06月03日