New Store Arrivals – More Hiyaoroshi Sakes Are “Falling” Onto Our Shelves
Listen up people! There are some amazing fall draft sakes in the store now and this crop of seasonally released superstars now joins them! If you partake in a super Thanksgiving feast then I cannot think of better sakes for your bird occasion. Each of these brews would dance fabulously with all of the holiday flavors from mashed potatoes to gravy and from butter to stuffing! Sake works, and fall draft sakes work better!
Shichi Hon Yari Hiyaoroshi 2018
From Shiga Prefecture. Junmai Namazume.
SMV: +4.5 Acidity: 1.8
This exceptional fall draft seasonally released sake has a wonderful nose filled with nutty, ricey, toasty, earthy, and a touch of cooked apple aromas. Say hello to a really fantastic Hiyaoroshi sake that has a magic flavor that puts a smile on your Autumn face. It is liquid happiness in a glass that is smooth, rich and very expansive. Full-bodied, it is layered with cooked pear flavors that are very pie-like. So think cooked pear or apple pie with hints of cedar and a mild tartness that plays so well with the acidity of the sweetness. This brew warms very nicely as even more flavors come forth. Truly a uniquely flavored sake that is basically Autumn in a bottle.WORD:Apple Pie WINE: Soft Reds/Fruity WhitesBEER: Clean Ales FOODS:Fall cuisine flavors. $40/720ml
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume. SMV: +2 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on the specially released “seasonal draft sake” is a gentle collection of roasted nuts, wood, steamed rice, and straw aromas. This is not your mom’s Kikusui, so don’t let the familiar bottle trick you into thinking you will be sipping a light and slightly fruity Junmai Ginjo. This is better! Round and savory it hits you with the first sip as velvety, rich, and smooth characters come forth. The fluid is very chewy and is loaded with savory flavors such as amber honey, rich rice candy, honey nut breakfast cereal, and a hint of chocolate brownie as the fluid warms. This Hiyaoroshi is drinking very well this season and it is a food-pairing fiend. WORD: Rich WINE: Pinot Noir/Chewy whites BEER:Belgian Ales FOODS:Great for rich and savory fall dishes including your Thanksgiving dinner. $33/720ml
Ohyama Hiyaoroshi 2018
From Yamagata Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume
SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this very limited fall draft sake is a mild collection of steamed wood, cooked cherries, and melon aromas. My first two comments when doing this review were “smooth and different!” I love that because I love sakes that are different and good. This is a very unique Hiyaoroshi sake, because it has such an interesting flavor spectrum from quince and blackberry to an amazing glimpse of persimmon. Yup! I typed that. Persimmon! It is sweet, but not too sweet. Round, semi-chewy and rich but it drinks light and confident. There is a very comfortable feeling in the palate like wearing a warm sweater on a cold day. A great exploration sake that has a very unique sweetness and a subtle anise tail. WORD: Persimmon WINE:Sweet reds/Full Whites BEER:Smooth Belgians FOODS:Rich and savory fall flavors with fowl, game, and fatty fish. $34/720ml