March on the East Coast can truly be a rollercoaster of emotions. One day, you're fully convinced sunshine will be a daily occurrence and it's time to pack away the winter gear. The next, you're bundling up watching the snow flurries cover up the streets and over the Washington D.C Cherry Blossoms you've been patiently waiting to bloom.
Caught in-between false spring and winter chill, the thought of Cherry Blossom season in Washington D.C still peaks through. Building in anticipation, we spend March prepping for Spring Equinox and April's Sakura Festivities across the DMV.
The Beverage Diary is not only my project to chronicle any drink, but to learn to embrace seasonality in beverage as well. As mother nature begins the shift to Spring, we too must begin the mental shift away from winter and embrace new beginnings. Whether you're planning out your garden grows, organizing a future hanami (flower viewing) picnic, or just craving a drink that reminds you of slightly warmer days- these floral & aromatic sake evoke the spirit of Spring.
Let's explore my March 2026 recommended Japanese Sake picks:
Amabuki “Gin no Kurenai” Junmai
Amabuki Shuzo Brewery located in Saga Prefecture in Japan prides themselves on their use of flower yeast in their brews. Their Amabuki Rose, aptly named as such for the beautiful reddish pink shade of the sake, uses both strawberry yeast and Queen of the Night yeast. The hue comes from the brewery's use of an ancient black grain rice that when brewed expresses into the iconic rose shade. Pops of acidity, with a creamy rounded texture, and gentle floral aroma make this the perfect Japanese sake for a pre-Cherry Blossom March affair.
Hanahato “Hana Colombe” Hatsushibori Junmai Ginjo
Enoki Brewing Company out of Hiroshima Prefecture presents a Muroka Nama Genshu Japanese Sake with a soft approachable texture. Hatsushibori refers to the first pressing/squeeze of sake made early in the brewing season.
Hakutsuru “Sayuri” Nigori Junmai
Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake screams spring with it's pretty pink floral bottle - but we all know it's the inside that really counts. Rich and sweet, this Nigori (sometimes referred colloquially to as Cloudy Sake) is creamy and the fruitiness lingers on the palette.
Dewazakura “Oka” Cherry Bouquet Ginjo
An iconic Japanese Sake from the Japanese Ginjo boom in the 1980's this sake still holds up today. Some things are just classics for a reason. Light with a nice subtle dryness, this is a clean sake that has aromatics of flowers / cherry blossom petals. The floral notes really are the star and what better way to get into the mindset of Cherry Blossom season than with Dewazakura.
