Review: Sakes of Gekkeikan, 2025 Releases

Gekkeikan is the #1 selling sake in the U.S., and while its historic home is in Kyoto, overseas bottles are actually made in Folsom, California. Sake sold in the U.S. is made from local Calrose rice, so you’re likely to find some differences between local and foreign bottles, should you find yourself able to taste them side by side.

Here’s a look at three current Gekkeikan releases, all from the California operation.

Gekkeikan Junmai Sake Review

You’ve seen this bottle plenty of times — green, with its unmistakable Kanji text and black-and-red floral border. It’s not rotgut. Rather, it’s a sake with plenty of character, punching well above its asking price: gentle melon notes and some blossom are the prologue to a palate that showcases a surprising creaminess, including some white chocolate, matcha, and a pinch of nutmeg. It’s slightly sweeter than expected, but it offers ample salinity on the finish that helps it end on a cleansing note. An absolute steal at 6 bucks a bottle — it could be the best value in sake, period. 14% abv. A- / $16

Gekkeikan Black & Gold Sake Review

“Crafted like a blended whiskey, Black & Gold combines the best of Traditional and Haiku sakes, selected by the brewmaster.” A heavy mix of mushroom and melon greets the drinker here, showcasing a surprisingly complex blend of earth, fruit, and spice. In the end, it’s the lingering melon notes that win out, touched with just a hint licorice, followed by some lingering jasmine. The creamy, doughy body keeps everything in check, however, finishing on a nutty note. 15.6% abv. B+ / $16

Gekkeikan Horin Sake Review

A Junmai Daiginjo crafted with Yamada Nishiki and Gohyakumangoku rice. Slightly gummy, almost unctuous, this sake features introductory notes of vanilla and milk chocolate before moving into bold cantaloupe notes, slightly salty. The finish moves more into notes of pear, gently perfumed, though backed up by a slightly gritty character that evokes seaweed and almond paste. Enjoyable but a bit on the unctuous side. 16.6% abv. A- / $50

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