“We opened the Tamagawa Ice Breaker on a hazy July evening in Pasadena, during one of those quiet lulls where the air feels suspended and time stretches out. H had made a chilled soba salad with shaved daikon and citrus-marinated trout roe, and we decided to follow the brewery’s suggestion—serving the Ice Breaker on the rocks.
At first, it felt like a novelty act. The ice took the edge off, but it also dulled the complexity. What started as promising turned a little vague. So we set the glass aside, poured it neat, and let it chill down in the fridge to a brisk, clear cold.
That’s when it started to sing.
There’s something about Ice Breaker that’s nostalgic in the best way—anise drops from old apothecary jars, orange jellies dusted in sugar, the kind of candies you only remember when something stirs the memory. It’s rich and unusual, with a kind of grown-up sweetness that never tips over into syrup. Earthy, but playful. Complex, but strangely comforting.
We both liked it—didn’t fall in love, but respected it deeply. It’s not a sake you reach for every night, but when the mood is right, it offers something offbeat and memorable. Just skip the rocks. Let it show you who it is without the melting act.”
“I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did! I usually go for bone-dry sake, but decided to try this on a whim. So fun! Excellent summer sipping beverage when poured over ice.”
“Dry, light body premium sake with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Lightly acidic with subtle notes of licorice. I enjoyed it either cold , as well as at 100-110oF”
“"this is really good if you like this sort of thing".. but for me it was too sweet. I tried the recommended serving over ice on a hot summer day, but that wasn't a success. I like it better merely cold, without the ice, but I am still not a fan.”
“Thanks Tippsy for adding such a gem of a brewery “Kinoshita Sakazou” to your selection!
This nama-type delight has such vibrant fruity notes such as green Apple, apple and pear. The underscoring acidity of slight lemon supporting the freshness. Can’t stop until the last drop is gone!”
