The Drink Of Demon Hunters And Devil Killers: Genbei-San No Onikoroshi Honjozo

The world of sake is made up of some of the most multifaceted drinks on the market. From the complex flavours of nihonshu, to the experiential drinking that comes from trying shochu, there’s plenty to enjoy about the Japanese alcohol industry. A traditional view of sake is that it meant to be consumed warm, but it can be enjoyed at cold temperatures as well.

When trying the Genbei-San No Onikoroshi, I opted for the traditionalist approach of having it served warm. The result was a sake that not only created a different drinking experience, but also gave me an appreciation for alternative forms of drinkware.

Why did I choose the bottle?

What caught my eye about the Genbei-San No Onikoroshi was the packaging. It features a scary looking demonic face on the label, most likely a representation of the dreaded Japanese oni. And with a name that translates to English as ‘The Demon Slayer,’ I was eager to embrace my inner Dean Winchester and drink from a cup filled with an elixir that could help to fight against supernatural forces.

Tasting notes

The sake, served warm, came in a ceramic carafe and ochoko cup. A sweet aroma emanated from the container and I tasted hints of vanilla, toffee, melon and honey, while also picking up richer notes as well.

Interestingly, I found the material of the cup to have a profound effect on the flavour of the Genbei-San No Onikoroshi. The ceramic quality made the flavours feel larger and longer lasting, which ultimately created a dryer form of sake that falls into the honjozo grade.

In addition, the sake was easy to drink and left behind a heavier aftertaste than lighter variations like the Akashi-Tai tokubetsu. After finishing the sake, I felt prepared to slay any demons that came my way. Luckily, I didn’t run into any, but the flavour and quality of the Genbei-San No Onikoroshi is an undisputed winner for demon hunters and sake aficionados alike.