Aya Mizukami

Aya Mizukami

Wine writer WSET Diploma Official columnist for Forbes JAPAN

👤 Reviewer Verified
28
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

Aokage Barley Shochu 25% ABV
Aokage Barley Shochu 25% ABV

Yanagita Shuzo

総合 93.5 /100

The palate is surprisingly soft and smooth, with gentle barley-derived sweetness. Pleasant bitterness and spicy nuances emerge toward the finish, bringing precision and definition.

投稿日: 2026年10月10日

Chiebijin Junmai
Chiebijin Junmai

Nakano Shuzo

総合 92.0 /100

The palate opens with soft, transparent sweetness, then becomes noticeably more structured toward the finish, leaving a firm and powerful grip.

投稿日: 2026年10月10日

Sankan Waida Kimoto Junmai Hiire
Sankan Waida Kimoto Junmai Hiire

Sankan Shuzo

総合 93.5 /100

The palate is substantial and full-bodied, combining moderate richness with generous alcoholic weight. Spicy notes on the finish add complexity.

投稿日: 2026年10月10日

Setoichi Harubaru
Setoichi Harubaru

Seto

総合 92.0 /100

The palate is light, with a subtle fruity sweetness. As the temperature rises, a softer, gently nostalgic umami character begins to unfold.

投稿日: 2026年10月10日

Daina Gohyakumangoku Junmai Ginjo
Daina Gohyakumangoku Junmai Ginjo

Kikunosato Shuzo

総合 90.5 /100

The palate shows the generous rice-derived umami typical of Gohyakumangoku, yet remains crisp, dry, and clean. A lingering spicy nuance adds freshness and definition to the finish.

投稿日: 2026年10月10日

Hiwata Kimoto Junmai
Hiwata Kimoto Junmai

Hagino

総合 93.0 /100

Full and rounded on the palate, with generous weight and a noticeable alcoholic warmth that gives the sake a robust, substantial character.

投稿日: 2026年10月10日

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 (formerly 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