The Ine Mankai from Mukai Shuzō is produced using an ancient strain of red rice, along with a with a white rice, creating a rose petal coloured sake. In provincial villages and towns within Japan red rice has been cultivated and used in traditional celebrations for centuries, but it is extremely rare to see it used commercially. While studying at Tōkyō University, Kuniko met Professor Takeda, and was encouraged to create a sake with the red rice he knew grew locally in Kuniko's hometown area of Ine. In May 2000, Kuniko released her red rice sake calling it 'Ine Mankai' or ‘Ine in Full Bloom’. It’s well balanced levels of acidity and sweetness make it perfect for drinking with a wide variety of food. Complex cherry & vanilla aroma with unique sweet/tart cherry & pomegranate flavours with a savoury, umami rich palate works equally well with savoury dishes or sweet.