New Store Arrivals – Den “Batch 3” and Takasago JDG

DEN Batch #3 
From Oakland, California. Junmai Nama. 
SMV: +5 Acidity: 2.0
The nose on this locally made craft sake is a gentle collection of vanilla, steamed rice, wood paddle, citrus, and veggies. Welcome to a rich and round unpasteurized sake with a tantalizing acidity that plays differently in different sized glasses. There are gentle hints of melon, honey, sweet rice, and some say watermelon. A larger vessel like a white wine glass actually smoothes out the brew and brings forth a little more fruit tones like strawberry and honeydew, and a smaller O-choko lets you focus on the lively and bright acidity. The structure of this sake makes for a great food pairing partner, as the acidity gives it depth and great spontaneity to adapt to large and complex fare. Local sake with a Japanese sake backbone! WORD: Rich WINE: Deep Reds/Vast Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Cuisine with attitude, complexity, and filled with international creativity. $29/500ml

Takasago Asahi Kamuy Hyo-On Chozo 
From Hokkaido Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo.SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.3
The nose on this sake from a brewery known for storing their sake in snow igloos has a gentle collection of cherry, melon, and apple aromas. Say hello to one of “those” sakes that appeals to people who enjoy a little tingle or pop of alcohol amongst a whole host of luscious flavors from apple and melon to mineral and unique candy flavors. Smooth, powerful, and brisk, this brew drinks with a crisp snap and appeals to those who like flinty white wines. We could position this as a Martini drinker’s Junmai Daiginjo as it would appeal to their thirst for a crisp and tight flavorful fluid that snaps in the palate with a crisp and gone finish. WORD: Crisp WINE: Tight Reds/Flinty Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Clean and gentle fare from sushi and sashimi to lightly grilled fish and bird. $104/720ml