New Store Arrivals: Phoenix, Den #4, Kikusakari, Katafune Genshu
Tatenokawa “Phoenix”
From Yamagata Prefecture. Junmai DaiginjoSMV: -2 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this special sake that proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross is a gentle collection of cherry, mango, berry, pear, and apricot aromas. Smooth, round, silky, clean, and balanced this brew is very user friendly and good example of the qualities found in a “premium” sake. A mid-sized glass brings out the best flavor profiles of cooked pear, apple, and mineral notes. It is a very slippery sake, which means you can really taste the special brewing water, and there is a nice rice-neutrality that is neither too fruity or too dry. Is this sake restrained or just a very unpretentious Junmai Daiginjo? Either way it drinks great and is for a great cause. WORD: Slippery WINE: Dry Reds/Clean Whites BEER: Light ales FOODS: Clean cuisine. Steamed fish, tofu dishes, and gentle veggies. $43/720ml
DEN Batch #4
From Oakland, California. Junmai Nama.
SMV: +3 Acidity: 2.2
The nose on this small batch craft sake is a glorious collection of pear, melon, banana, and floral aromas. Welcome to yet another awesome batch of fresh unpasteurized sake from Den. This brew is bright, raw, fresh, fun, crisp, and very flavorful. Get your flavor finder out because there are all kinds of action from blackberry and green apple to melon and young pear, which produces a snappy and ripe bright fluid that would appeal to tannin-loving wine drinkers who like that slightly drying effect in the palate as the fluid flows. A small cup produces more fruit tones, a mid-sized glass is fresh and crisp, and a wine glass is where it’s at! There is a wonderful quality to this sake that is big in Japan. “Shibumi” (astringency) is that complex element that brings more flavor to this brew like persimmon, cranberry, and young pear. Drink this brew young to gain the full effect! WORD: Bright WINE: Lively Reds/Crisp Whites BEER:Crisp Ales FOODS: Seafood and grilled fare, salty and savory. $29/500ml
Kikusakari “Kurahibiki”
From Ibaraki Prefecture. Daiginjo.SMV: +5 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this very cool packaged brew is a brave collection of cherry, honey lemon tea, melon, and steamed rice aromas. Made with Yamadanishiki brewing rice milled to 43% this expressive sake has layers of attitude and deep complexity that will entice big red wine lovers. Kurahibiki is one of those brews that does much better in a wine glass which helps launch flavors such as rich raisins and figs and cooked lemon tart. Smooth, plump, and active there is a gentle acidity play that begins rich and ends dry. This is one of those baffling brews that makes the drinker ask how do they do that? WORD: Unique WINE:Deep Reds/Dry Whites BEER: Sour ales FOODS: Champagne fare, caviar, ankimo, pates, cheese plates. $54/720ml
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo Genshu. SMV: -6 Acidity: 1.7
The nose on this very well packaged sake is a gentle collection of rose water, strawberry, melon, and mineral aromas. Talk about a supremely balanced brew that is velvety and elegant with terrific flavors and superb feeling. From a teaching perspective this sake will show you how a sake with a low SMV does not drink overly sweet, because of an elevated acidity that balances the fluid so well. A wine glass lets you really explore flavors such as honeydew melon, strawberry, and ripe pear, and remember that this is a genshu that doesn’t have that boozy pop! One of our favorite sakes of the year! WORD: Balanced WINE: Soft Reds/Smooth Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Seafood, shellfish, sushi, sashimi, cooked fish, oysters. $72/720ml