New Store Arrivals - Summer Nama Are Here!
Okay folks, it's a new sake season! It’s the summer released unpasteurized brews that we’ve been waiting for. Typically lighter and brighter than the spring released Namas these brews are great for picnics, grilling, and dinners under the stars.
Gokyo Summer Nama 2019
From Yamaguchi Prefecture. Junmai Nama. SMV: +2 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this limited release summer unpasteurized sake is a gentle collection of green apple, melon, peach, and Jolly Rancher Candy. Finally! A summer sake that tastes like a summer sake that is refreshing, light, tingly, and fun. This brew is so enjoyable in a larger glass to bring out a lively smoothness that is fruity up front and dry in the finish. Look for dried fruit tones of apple, pear, apricot, and white peach. Light and tingly this summer sake is juicy and zesty, but so relaxed in the dry and crisp finish. The SMV is +2 but this Gokyo drinks more lively and frisky with far more brightness than a fat sweet brew. WORD: Refreshing WINE: Zesty reds/ Crisp whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Seafood, shellfish, oysters, citrus salads. $34/720ml
Denshin Natsu 2019
From Fukui Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo Nama. SMV: NA Acidity: NA
The nose on this seasonally released summer unpasteurized sake is a wonderful collection of cherry, grape, lemon, and other citrus aromas. This is a smooth, fun, and fruity brew. With a choice plumpness and layers of flavors that balance with a tender acidity. Look for honey, apple, sweet pears, and lemon honey tea flavors that drink bright and chewy. Semi-thick, fleshy, and full. This drinks like a Junmai Daiginjo on steroids that makes everything larger and more robust, but still fun and not cloying. And there aren’t many Junmai Daiginjo Nama out there so this is a treat. Another great seasonal sake from a great brewery that knows how to capture sunshine in the bottle. WORD: Sunny WINE: Fat reds/Plump whites BEER: Fat Belgian Ales FOODS:International spicy fare, American sushi, fruit and cheese plates. $40/720ml
Tsukasabotan “Reika” 2019
From Kochi Prefecture. Junmai Nama. SMV: +8 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this seasonally released summer unpasteurized sake is a very unique collection of mineral, tomato water, and herbaceous aromas. Say hello to a nice summer nama that is full in flavor and zesty in feeling. It’s lively and fun and drinks with more weight and presence than last year. Smooth, chewy, bright, and chippy it is the driest of the summer namas, but doesn’t drink bone dry and thin. There are hints of melon, peach, and pear that drink more like dried versions rather than fresh and fruity. There is a great acidity play makes for more “sip action’ with a clean finish. An impact sake that drinks with more smoothness than bite. WORD: Dry WINE: Soft reds/Flinty whites BEER: IPA FOODS: Summer grilling fare from veggies and fish to burgers and dogs. $40/720ml