Blanc takes its name from the French for "white". Hachinohe Shuzo, the Aomori brewery behind Mutsu Hassen, makes it with white koji, the mould better known from shochu, which produces citric acid, so the sake is unusually bright and juicy, with a muscat-like aroma and a dry, clean finish closer to a crisp white wine than a traditional junmai.

It is brewed from Aomori-grown rice polished to 60% and, at 11% ABV, is lighter than most sake. Serve well chilled in a wine glass as an aperitif, or with citrus-dressed dishes, seafood and Western fare, an easy first bottle for wine drinkers.