Seasonal Sake – Some Spring Flings (Shichida, Jyoku, Shichi Hon Yari, Masumi)
Hello you sake smarty-pants! You picked a great time to check in on our Spring released seasonal unpasteurized sakes called Nama or Namazake or just tasty fresh brews. We have so many to choose from and are still waiting on a few more!
Shichida Spring Nama 2025
From Saga Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.4The nose on this seasonally released unpasteurized brew is a unique collection of vanilla, cream soda, ginger, sarsaparilla, milk bread, cream, pineapple, and sourdough. An incredible brew that has a vast collection of feelings and flavors in every balanced "nama" sip. Frisky, bright, lively, slippery, weighty, and a bit watery, with a very crisp and vivid finish, this brew drinks as fresh and fun as drinking right from the tank after fermentation. Look for graham cracker, apple juice, daikon, sarsaparilla, ginger, Asian pear, persimmon, nectarine, and toasted rice flavors that flow with an umami push and a white pepper finish. Fan favorite sake for a reason. WORD: Lively WINE: Frisky Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Zesty Ales FOODS: The kitchen sink, from sushi and karaage to street tacos and curries. Think yakitori and izakaya fare.
Jyoku Shiboritate Okojyo 2025
From Aomori Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Nama. SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this seasonally released Spring unpasteurized sake is a slick collection of cream soda, lime zest, orange, Wax apple, young pear, lemon-lime, and mineral water aromas. Sat hello to a dry and crisp Nama that wakes the senses. This brew appeals to those who like clean, light, and expressive sake that has a light, tingly, and zesty complexion, with a dry quick finish. Can sake be refreshing? You bet! This northern Japanese brew is a wonderful walk in the sake world and is like biting into a Spring snowball. Look for unripe pear, bamboo, ginseng, Sprite™, daikon, ginger, club soda, and lots of mineral flavors that slide with an umami vein that evolves into a slightly clean, vegetal finish. Basically, this is freshly made sake at its crispy best that might also appeal to Martini fans. WORD: Crisp WINE: Dry Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, izakaya fare, oysters, caviar, grilled white fish, and popcorn/bar snacks.
Shichi Hon Yari "The Seven Spearsmen" 2025
From Shiga Prefecture. Junmai Nama Genshu. SMV: +6 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this seasonally released Spring unpasteurized brew is a wonderful collection of Granny Smith apple, oatmeal, papaya, green mango, bamboo, green grasses, honey nut, and steamed rice aromas. Basically, this is the best "good ol' fashioned Spring nama" that, in our opinion, is an awesome way to taste umami within fruit tones in a refreshing and lively flow. With that Nama Nama nose, look for pear, peach, Jolly Rancher™ green apple candy, apricot, Granny Smith, honey nut, waffle cone, apple pie crumble, oatmeal, and raw ricey flavors that blend with a solid umami wave to end in a quick and grainy finish. A throwback nama that speaks sake the old school way, and is a delicious hat tip to umami and fruit tones working together. WORD: Green WINE: Beaujolais /Rich Whites BEER: Big Belgians. FOODS: The kitchen sink from international spice to American sushi to comfort foods and anything on a stick or from the sea.
Masumi Arabashiri 2025
From Nagano Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: -6 Acidity: 2.3
The nose on this seasonally released Nama or unpasteurized sake is a cool collection of tangerine, guava, marmalade, honey, fig, lemon tea, raisin, and mineral water aromas. We have been selling this legendary "Free Run" from Masumi for over 15 years, and it has amazing consistency for such lively and brash Nama. Clean, crisp, tingly, brisk, and fun, this brew drinks with and elegant brashness, and has a very quick kire finish. Off-sweet and rich, this Arabashiri is a fan-favorite for the way it works in a wine glass, which allows the integrated acidity, the rawness, and the 17% ABV to dance in a flavorful and zesty waltz. Look for honey tea, candied lemon, ginger, lemon curd, tangerine, crisp apple, rice cracker, and seared citrus notes that drink lively and bright. WORD: Citrus WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, grilled white fish, yakitori, carpaccio, citrus-based dishes, honey citrus glazed salmon, oysters with lemon, light pastas, and hot pots.