New Store Arrivals – Nanbu Bijin And Shichida Nama

This month we have two great sakes! The first is a sake that has been in an out of the store for over a decade, but has taken on new meaning since it won the IWC Grand Trophy for the top sake at the IWC this year in London. And yes it’s a Junmai! No not some super premium Junmai Daiginjo, but a tasty and very drinkable Tokubetsu Junmai from our super dear friends at Nanbu Bijin. The second is a really great fresh nama from Shichida that drinks like summer!

Nanbu Bijin “Southern Beauty”
From Iwate Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai. SMV: +5 Acidity: 1.5
Say hello to the IWC Grand Prize Champion for 2017. This top trophy winner has an expressive nose filled with strawberry, sweet rice, and mineral water aromas. Lush, velvety, plump, and expressive enjoy a sake that walks the walk! It is smooth and gentle but with a complexity that speaks to wine drinkers who like brightness and depth. This "Beauty" is fruit-forward with shades of pear, berries, and a hint of creaminess. But the overall drinking experience is semi dry with a gentle tail. A midsize glass brings out the balance of this sake that is a reflection of the Tohoku sake style. WORD: Engaging WINE: Soft Reds/Complex Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Shellfish, Oysters, grilled fish and chicken. $35/720ml

Shichida “Natsujun”
From Saga Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.2
This elegant summer released unpasteurized sake has a gentle nose filled with green apple, grape, melon, and peach aromas. Talk about a gentle and soft sake that tastes so refreshing in the heat of summer. With a lower alcohol content of 14% this nama drinks round, smooth, and juicy. Your glass instantly becomes slippery goodness with hints of blueberry and apple flavors that are clean and subtle with a nice balance. This is the perfect day time sake for a hot picnic. WORD: Elegant WINE: Gentle reds/Creamy whites BEER: Light beers FOODS: Very clean cuisine. $41/720ml