ABE - SIRIUS SPARKLING

Brewery Information

Abe Shuzo was founded in 1804 in Kashiwazaki, Niigata. Today, Yuta Abe, the sixth generation and head of production, helps shape the direction of the family brewery. Abe Shuzo combines its long history with a distinctly modern and experimental vision, summed up in its philosophy: “Enjoy Fermentation.”

That curiosity about fermentation lies at the heart of their style. By constantly observing, tasting, and experimenting, the brewery seeks to create sake in which rice flavor, texture, and freshness come together. Local rice plays an important role in this, connecting their sake to the landscape and agriculture around Kashiwazaki.

While Niigata is traditionally known for light, dry, and exceptionally pure sake, Abe Shuzo deliberately chooses its own path. Their sake is characterized by lively acidity, pronounced texture, and a playful balance of sweetness, freshness, and rice umami.

SIRIUS Sparkling is part of the experimental ★ series, in which each sake is named after a star. Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, is located in the constellation Canis Major. Within this range, SIRIUS shows just how beautifully Abe Shuzo’s style translates into a sparkling sake.

For SIRIUS, the brewery uses rice from Kashiwazaki. Its local origin is also reflected on the label, which depicts the landscape of the rice fields. In this way, the connection between the sake and the region remains visible, from the rice to the bottle.

Abe Shuzo brews with soft local water from Kashiwazaki, and for this series the brewery emphasizes discovering flavor rather than focusing on technical specifications.

The fine bubbles are created by allowing the second fermentation to continue in the bottle. The yeast naturally produces carbon dioxide, which slowly dissolves into the sake. No carbon dioxide is injected. A small amount of fine rice sediment also gives SIRIUS a slightly cloudy appearance and a soft, rounded texture.

With an alcohol content of 13%, SIRIUS combines easy drinkability with enough flavor and structure. Its character revolves around the interplay of gentle fruitiness, fresh acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish.

In the glass, SIRIUS Sparkling reveals aromas of Japanese pear, yuzu, and grapefruit, with soft rice notes in the background. On the palate, it is juicy and smooth, with a fine sparkle, mild rice sweetness, and pleasant umami. Lively citrus acidity adds tension and keeps the softer, rounder flavors beautifully in balance.

The finish is fresh, clean, and invigorating, with a subtle grapefruit bitterness that adds extra tension to the whole. This makes SIRIUS shine both as an aperitif and at the table.

We love pairing it with oysters, sashimi, ceviche, tempura, or fresh vegetable dishes. Its lively mousse also works beautifully with crispy preparations, while its citrus-driven freshness pairs well with light, briny dishes.

Serve well chilled and keep the bottle refrigerated. Open carefully, without shaking, as this active sake may foam when opened.

SIRIUS beautifully shows what Abe Shuzo stands for: a modern, expressive sake in which fermentation, fine bubbles, fresh acidity, and rice umami come together.