Sake Season – The Last “Hiyaoroshi” Fall Draft Flight Landed
Say hello and goodbye to the third and final flight of seasonally released single pasteurized sakes that are officially called “Namazume” but go by the colloquial name “Fall Draft” sakes. Aged for roughly six months these brews are structured, released, and are best enjoyed with the flavors of autumn and early winter. From fatty fish and fowl to rich stews and roasts they can stand up to the most rich fare including your Christmas dinner. We had a record number of brews this year, and the quality was superb. If you didn’t get to try one then this is pretty much your last chance to taste the sake flavors of the season.
Ishikawa Prefecture. Junmai Namazume. SMV: -2 Acidity: 2.0
The nose on this single pasteurized seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a fun collection of maple syrup, butter, molasses, red apple, lemon peel, and sweet tea aromas. Oh yeah! We love Kikuhime and this is the first time that they released their Hiyaoroshi in the US. And it's awesome. Smooth, rich, round, viscous, and full-bodied, but also slippery, silky, and wet. This sake drinks you as much as you drink it. Look for cranberry, citrus, sweet tea, papaya, young melon, toasted rice, and loads of umami on a fluid that is so lush and fun. At 18% ABV, the body is lifted with activity and works at three different temperatures. It's the most expensive Hiyaoroshi that we have ever sold, but there is a very good reason for that – it's fantastic. WORD: Full-Bodied WINE: Deep Reds/Plump Whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Everything!
From Akita Prefecture. Yamahai Junmai Namazume. SMV: -1 Acidity: 2.2
The nose on this single pasteurized seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a great collection of papaya, grapefruit, mango, salt water, honeydew, banana bread, and floral aromas. Say hello to another "First Time In The US" Hiyaoroshi sake from a great brewery in Akita. Smooth, round, juicy, and oh so soft, this brew drinks chewy and viscous with a mineral and fruity finish. Talk about a feeling-and-flavor brew! Look for powdered sugar, lemon peel, berry, peach, apple pie, vanilla, and lots of umami on a flow that is plump and super smooth. There is a cool savoriness to this sake that actually dances with more ripe fruit tones. If you like lush wines, you'll love this brew. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft Reds/Smooth Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Shellfish, crab, lobster, white fish, grilled chicken, smoked meats, tomato based dishes.
From Ishikawa Prefecture. Ginjo Namazume SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a stunning collection of apple pie, mint, crème brûlée lemon cake, pineapple, and steamed rice aromas. New to the US this legendary brewery makes a very special and drinkable sake that is a rich drinker’s dream come true. Smooth, round, chewy, velvety, and lush this semi-sweet brew has a warming brown sugar finish. Look for caramel, flan, burnt honey, cocoa, maple syrup, and oatmeal flavors that drink long and full in the palate. Made with Gohyakumangoku and sporting a 19% ABV, this sake drinks you as much as you drink it! Legendary and lush, don't forget to warm it. WORD: Lush WINE: Beefy Reds/Creamy Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Full-Bodied Winter fare, soups, stews, pastas, roasts, meat and game.
From Tokyo Prefecture. Junmai Namazume . SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this seasonally released single-pasteurized Fall Draft sake is a slick collection of muffin, toffee, caramel, butter, cinnamon, apple pie, and banana bread aromas. Are you ready for a gentle, clean, and easy draft sake that drinks smooth and soft? This brew is fleshy on the palate, with a savory and mineral finish that is quick and gone. Look for caramel, vanilla, cooked berries, apple pie, snow melt, sugar water, and ripe peach flavors, that drink mild and gentle in a white wine glass. One of the gentlest Hiyaoroshi brews out there that is semi-dry and very quaffable. WORD: Easy WINES: Clean Reds/Gentle Whites BEER: Clean Ales FOODS: Light fare, sushi, grilled chicken, soy sauce based cuisine.
From Nagano Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume. SMV: +4 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this single pasteurized seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a mild collection of pear, apple, corn, snowball, and steamed rice aromas. Say hello to a Nagano Hiyaoroshi sake that drinks welcoming, refreshing, smooth, round, slippery, semi-viscous, and rich-light™. The unique aspect of this sake is that it has flavors that come out, then go gently away in a clean mineral-water like way. Look for mandarin orange, grapefruit, pear compote, vanilla ice cream, plum, and apple flavors that slide through the palate on slippery flow. This is whisper sake with a quick dry finish that is easy to drink. WORD: Smooth WINE: Gentle reds/easy whites BEER: Clean Ales FOODS: Lightly flavored cuisines, tofu, and soups.
From Nagano Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume. SMV: +1.4 Acidity: 1.7
The nose on this single pasteurized seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a mild collection of grapefruit, guava, green apple, lime, pear, pound cake, and pumpkin aromas. Popular in the restaurant community, this fan favorite brew is smooth, round, and slippery. Which drinks light and lean with a dry finish. Look for apple, pear juice, pumpkin, pomegranate, rice cracker, cocoa, and lots of umami flavors that glide through the palate. This is a very user-friendly Hiyaoroshi sake that pairs well with fall and winter fare. WORD: Smooth WINE: Deep Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Christmas dinner, Izakaya fare, fried, salty, and savory cuisine.
Gasanryu Momiji Hiyaoroshi 2022
From Yamagata Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume. SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this single pasteurized seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a nice collection of maple syrup, squash, cereal, persimmon, sugar cookie, straw, and cocoa aromas. Yay! Say hello to a super drinkable Hiyaoroshi sake that is smooth, round, rich, clean, light and savory. Yes! A savory fall brew that drinks chewy, relaxed, lush, water-like with a dry finish. Look for honey, graham cracker, pumpkin, cinnamon, hazelnut, nougat, apple, pear, sugar cookie, and salinity flavors that flow on a gentle and easy ride. Made with Omachi rice milled to 60%, this sake is the perfect brew to bring to a dinner this holiday season. WORD: Drinkable WINE: Soft Reds/Lush Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Salty, savory, greasy, fried, rich fare with fat fish and seasonal meat and game.