Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake – Oregon's Fruity Gateway to Premium Sake

Updated → August 2025

Discover Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake, where Oregon craftsmanship meets Japanese tradition. This award-winning infused sake balances crisp junmai ginjo character with natural pear sweetness, creating the perfect introduction to premium sake for newcomers and a refreshing twist for enthusiasts.

The American Sake Revolution

American craft sake represents a fascinating fusion of Japanese tradition and New World innovation. When SakéOne opened its doors in Forest Grove, Oregon, in 1997, it became the first commercially successful craft sake brewery in the United States. This pioneering move marked the beginning of a sake revolution that would transform how Americans perceive and enjoy this ancient beverage.

Oregon's pristine water from the east slope of the coastal range proved ideal for sake brewing, matching the quality of Japan's most revered sake regions. The state's agricultural prowess in cultivating premium rice varieties, particularly the sake-friendly Calrose grain from California's Sacramento Valley, created perfect conditions for producing exceptional sake. Today, Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake stands as a testament to American sake craftsmanship, winning gold and silver medals in prestigious competitions.

The Moonstone Story

The creation of Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake represents a groundbreaking moment in sake history. As the first of its kind, Moonstone pioneered the infused premium sake category, transforming traditional junmai ginjo sake into something entirely new yet respectfully rooted in Japanese brewing traditions.

The brewmasters at SakéOne carefully balance the base sake's inherent qualities with natural pear essence, creating what many describe as tasting like a perfectly ripe pear plucked fresh from the tree and chilled to perfection. This delicate infusion process maintains the integrity of the premium ginjo sake while adding layers of aromatic complexity that appeal to both sake newcomers and connoisseurs.

Understanding Ginjo Classification

To truly appreciate Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake, understanding the ginjo classification is essential. In the world of sake, ginjo represents a premium category where rice grains are polished to remove at least 40% of their outer layer, leaving only 60% or less of the original grain.

This extensive polishing process, known as seimaibuai, removes proteins and lipids from the rice's outer layers, resulting in a purer, more refined sake. The exposed starchy core of the rice grain ferments more cleanly, producing the characteristic fruity and floral notes that define ginjo-style sakes. When combined with specialized ginjo yeasts and low-temperature fermentation techniques, the result is an elegant beverage with pronounced aromatics and a smooth, delicate finish.

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Opening a bottle of Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake releases an immediate bouquet of fresh Asian pear aromatics. The nose presents bright, crisp fruit notes layered with subtle floral undertones characteristic of premium ginjo sake. This pronounced aroma sets the stage for the complex flavor journey that follows.

On the palate, the sake delivers a pleasant balance of crisp ginjo character with a hint of dryness that plays beautifully against the fresh, lightly sweet pear notes. The mouthfeel is smooth and refined, with the natural fruit flavors integrating seamlessly rather than dominating the base sake's inherent qualities. The finish is clean and flavorful, leaving a subtle pear essence that invites another sip.

Sake vs Wine Comparison

The absence of tannins in Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake means no dry, puckering sensation and no risk of tannin-induced headaches. The lower acidity makes it gentler on the stomach, while the smaller alcohol molecules allow for smoother absorption by the body.

Production Process

The journey of Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake begins with carefully selected rice grains polished to ginjo specifications. The polished rice undergoes washing and soaking before being steamed to the perfect consistency. This steamed rice is then mixed with koji mold, which contains enzymes that convert rice starches into fermentable sugars.

What makes sake production unique is the multiple parallel fermentation process, where starch-to-sugar conversion happens simultaneously with sugar-to-alcohol fermentation. This complex process, combined with specialized ginjo yeasts and low-temperature fermentation, creates the delicate flavor profile. The natural pear infusion occurs after the base sake is complete, ensuring the fruit flavors complement rather than mask the sake's inherent qualities.

Perfect Serving Guide

Temperature plays a crucial role in enjoying Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake. Unlike some traditional sakes that benefit from warming, this premium ginjo expresses its best qualities when served chilled between 45-50°F or at room temperature around 68°F. Chilling tightens the flavor profile and emphasizes the crisp, refreshing pear notes, while room temperature allows the full aromatic complexity to bloom.

For glassware, consider using wine glasses to concentrate the aromatics, traditional ochoko cups for an authentic experience, or even champagne flutes to showcase the sake's delicate effervescence. The key is choosing vessels that allow you to appreciate both the visual clarity and aromatic qualities of this premium sake.

Food Pairing Adventures

The versatility of Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake shines through its diverse food pairing possibilities. The delicate sweetness and fruity character make it an exceptional match for spicy cuisines, where the pear notes provide cooling relief while the sake's clean finish refreshes the palate between bites.

Traditional pairings include sushi and sashimi, where the sake's subtle sweetness complements raw fish without overwhelming delicate flavors. Modern fusion pairings expand the possibilities: gourmet pizzas with arugula and prosciutto, Mexican street tacos with carnitas or pollo, Indian chicken tikka masala, Thai green curry, and even American barbecue benefit from this sake's balancing qualities. The fruit-forward profile also makes it excellent with cheese courses, particularly soft cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella.

Cocktail Creations

While purists might prefer Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake served straight, its unique flavor profile makes it an exceptional cocktail ingredient. The natural pear essence provides a fruit-forward base that eliminates the need for additional fruit juices or syrups in many recipes.

Popular cocktail applications include the Moonstone Martini (replacing vodka with sake and adding a splash of elderflower liqueur), the Pear Blossom Spritz (combining sake with prosecco and a twist of lemon), and the Ginger Pear Saketini (muddling fresh ginger with sake and a touch of lime). The sake's lower alcohol content compared to spirits makes these cocktails more sessionable while maintaining sophisticated flavor profiles.

Health Benefits

Premium sake like Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake offers several potential health advantages when consumed responsibly. The absence of sulfites, common wine preservatives that can trigger headaches and allergic reactions, makes sake a gentler alcoholic option for sensitive individuals.

The fermentation process produces amino acids that contribute to umami flavors while potentially supporting various bodily functions. Premium sake contains minimal residual sugar compared to many wines, typically less than 2 grams per liter versus 8-12 grams in wine. Additionally, sake is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake maintains its delicate flavors and aromatics. Unlike wine, sake doesn't improve with age and should be consumed relatively fresh. Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Once opened, sake is best consumed within a week, though it can last up to a month if properly refrigerated. Transfer any remaining sake to a smaller container to minimize air exposure, which can oxidize the delicate flavors. The fruit infusion in Moonstone may make it slightly more perishable than traditional sake, so err on the side of consuming it sooner rather than later.

Buying Guide

When purchasing Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake, look for clear labeling indicating its junmai ginjo classification. The term "junmai" confirms no added alcohol, while "ginjo" guarantees the premium polishing ratio. Check for bottling or production dates when available, as fresher sake typically offers more vibrant flavors.

Price points for quality ginjo sake typically range from $15-30 per 750ml bottle, with Moonstone offering exceptional value in this category. The combination of American production efficiencies and premium quality ingredients makes it more accessible than many imported ginjos while maintaining comparable or superior quality.

Sake Culture & Etiquette

Understanding sake culture enhances the enjoyment of Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake. In Japanese tradition, sake serves as more than just a beverage – it's a bridge connecting people, marking celebrations, and honoring traditions. The act of pouring for others (never filling your own cup) demonstrates respect and builds community.

While Moonstone's approachable flavor profile makes it perfect for casual enjoyment, incorporating elements of traditional sake service can elevate the experience. Consider the Japanese practice of kanpai (cheers) before drinking, or explore the ritual of sharing sake from a wooden masu box during special occasions.

The Moonstone Collection

The success of Moonstone Asian Pear Ginjo Sake has inspired an entire family of fruit-infused premium sakes from SakéOne. Each variety in the Moonstone collection begins with the same high-quality junmai ginjo base, ensuring consistency in quality while exploring different flavor profiles.

The Asian Pear variety remains the flagship, beloved for its perfect balance of traditional sake character and accessible fruit notes. This pioneering spirit continues to influence the American craft sake movement, inspiring other breweries to explore innovative flavor combinations while respecting traditional brewing techniques.

Where to Buy