Ilaka’s Silver-Black is the original expression and philosophical foundation of the Silver Series, embodying Toji Tanaka’s vision. Brewed under the theme of “returning to the origin,” it seeks to showcase Matsukawa’s water, rice, and landscape. Pale with a subtle hint of straw yellow, Silver-Black has an expressive, rice-driven nose of fresh apple blossom and soft fondant sweetness. The palate seamlessly balances power and delicacy with an unctuous, highly textural umami depth. A gentle lift from the alcohol carries these complex layers into a long, beautifully sustained finish.
Brewery
Founded 1665; re-established in Matsukawa as Ilaka Sake Atelier in 2024
Location
Matsukawa, Nagano Prefecture
Toji
Katsumi Tanaka
Style
Genshu
Water Source
Incredibly soft (7mg/L) mountain snowmelt filtered through granitic soils, forming an underground river
Koji Type
White & yellow
Rice
Hitogokochi (Matsukawa village-grown)
Shubo
Sokujo-moto
Yeast
Nagano D & C and P33-37
Pressing
Yabuta
Filtration
Muroka (no charcoal)
Pasteurization
Binkan hi-ire (Nama Chozo)—exacting and brief time at temperature depending on the rice and fermentation
ABV
15%
Pack Size
12x720mL