Cheapest place to buy the Koji + yeast?

[everythingerased]

Also, I've seen the dry rice yeast (Chinese I believe) for pretty cheap, does the end product end up similar this way?

 

[Evilgrin]

Sort of..There is a sake called akaisake in which they use beni-koji. A small amount is used to impart a reddish tint.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2001/11/25/food/hey-thats-a-sake-of-a-different-color/#.VZWss1LW1W8

You might try using just a little RYR, a proper sake yeast and a little sugar or rice syrup.

Akaisake is not premium sake, but rather bottom-shelf — at least in terms of ingredients. There are added sugars (during fermentation) and acids for flavor-adjusting, as well as added distilled alcohol