New Store Arrivals: Ohmine, Kid, Harada, Tenko 35, Uka, and Suigei
Ohmine "Winter's Arrival" 2024
From Yamaguchi. Nama Nigori Assemblage. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this seasonally released winter unpasteurized brew is a cool collection of tangerine, green apple, yeast, powdered sugar, Milkis™, and sweet rice aromas. This beautifully made brew has all kinds of feelings and flavors, and really drinks like a winter's day. It starts smooth, wide, viscous, and layered (fluffy almost), then glides into a effervescent, spritzy, light and silky flow that is umami driven, with a nice misty and white grape finish. There is a touch of astringency and lots of gentle flavors like powdered sugar, snow melt, graham cracker, strawberry tops, Rice Krispie Treats™, Muscat grape, and a tickle of frosting. Lower in alcohol at 14%, this Nama is extremely enjoyable for beginners and the very well sake-versed. Lots of brewing technique on display here. WORD: Tingly WINE: Beaujolais/Effervescent Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Fruit and cheese plates, international spice, winter crab and shellfish.
Heiwa Shuzo KID Winter Release "Shiboritate" 2024
From Wakayama Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: +1 Acidity: 2.0
The nose on this winter released unpasteurized brew is a gorgeous collection of mandarin, peach, grape, pear, raspberry, blue raspberry ICEE™, powdered sugar, and fruity aromas. Lively, bright, slippery, tingly, frisky, and fruity, this seasonally released sake is all Kid all day long with juicy fruit tones that rock in a wine glass. Slightly brash, and punchy, this active brew has tickles of acidity and a nice "shibumi" play that says "yes" to wine drinkers. Look for peach, melon, nectarine, young pear, strawberry, rock sugar, watermelon, crème brulée, sourdough, and snow melt flavors with a very quick finish for all of those looks. Made with Gohyakumangoku brewing rice, this brew fits very well within the Kid brewing template. WORD: Lively WINE: Fruity Reds/Bright Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, white fish, crab, shrimp, and lobster.
Harada Yamadanishiki 55 “Arabashiri”
From Yamaguchi. Nama Nigori Assemblage. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this seasonally released winter unpasteurized brew is a cool collection of tangerine, green apple, yeast, powdered sugar, Milkis™, and sweet rice aromas. This beautifully made brew has all kinds of feelings and flavors, and really drinks like a winter's day. It starts smooth, wide, viscous, and layered (fluffy almost), then glides into a effervescent, spritzy, light and silky flow that is umami driven, with a nice misty and white grape finish. There is a touch of astringency and lots of gentle flavors like powdered sugar, snow melt, graham cracker, strawberry tops, Rice Krispie Treats™, Muscat grape, and a tickle of frosting. Lower in alcohol at 14%, this Nama is extremely enjoyable for beginners and the very well sake-versed. Lots of brewing technique on display here. WORD: Tingly WINE: Beaujolais/Effervescent Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Fruit and cheese plates, international spice, winter crab and shellfish.
Heiwa Shuzo KID Winter Release "Shiboritate" 2024
From Wakayama Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: +1 Acidity: 2.0
The nose on this winter released unpasteurized brew is a gorgeous collection of mandarin, peach, grape, pear, raspberry, blue raspberry ICEE™, powdered sugar, and fruity aromas. Lively, bright, slippery, tingly, frisky, and fruity, this seasonally released sake is all Kid all day long with juicy fruit tones that rock in a wine glass. Slightly brash, and punchy, this active brew has tickles of acidity and a nice "shibumi" play that says "yes" to wine drinkers. Look for peach, melon, nectarine, young pear, strawberry, rock sugar, watermelon, crème brulée, sourdough, and snow melt flavors with a very quick finish for all of those looks. Made with Gohyakumangoku brewing rice, this brew fits very well within the Kid brewing template. WORD: Lively WINE: Fruity Reds/Bright Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, white fish, crab, shrimp, and lobster.
Harada Yamadanishiki 55 “Arabashiri”
From Yamaguchi Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this seasonally released unpasteurized and “free run” sake is a cool collection of powdered sugar, ginger, lemon lime, honey, cooked pear, and yeasty aromas. Say hello to a very flavorful seasonal sake that drinks smooth and very expressive. Slightly spritzy, crisp, juicy, rich light™, and very round, this winter brew is lively and yet very balanced and would appeal to those who want “vat fresh” sake that is soft and delicious. Look for apricot, pastry icing, powdered sugar, coconut, Calpico™, lemon zest, and a touch of minerality, with a dry ricey finish. New to the market, this Arabashiri is a winner and should not be missed! WORD: Fresh WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: International spice, American sushi, crab, shrimp, spicy handrolls, and fried chicken.
Tenko 35 "Heavenly Grace"
From Akita Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: -2 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this superb "ultra" Daiginjo (each grain of rice has been polished to 35% of its originals size) is a terrific collection of cherry, apple, pear, mango, nectarine, papaya, and brown sugar aromas. How is something this complex so easy, gentle, and well-balanced? Smooth, round, layered, silky, and rich, Tenko 35 drinks soft and semi-creamy with a little bit of an uplifting flow and a clean finish. Literally liquid complexity that shines as rice and water works to create a field of flavors that dance through the palate. You don't need to be a professional to feel all of the nuances and taste all of the splendid flavors like pear, papaya, green grape, apple pie, powdered sugar, morning pastry, and a luscious load of umami. This is a "cut above" brew that is a perfect gifting sake, and a genuine drinking pleasure. WORD: Elegant WINE: Velvety Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Creamy Belgian Ales FOODS: Champagne fare including caviar, oysters, lobster, crab, shrimp, sushi, sashimi, and complex elegant cuisines.
Tenko 35 "Heavenly Grace"
From Akita Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: -2 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this superb "ultra" Daiginjo (each grain of rice has been polished to 35% of its originals size) is a terrific collection of cherry, apple, pear, mango, nectarine, papaya, and brown sugar aromas. How is something this complex so easy, gentle, and well-balanced? Smooth, round, layered, silky, and rich, Tenko 35 drinks soft and semi-creamy with a little bit of an uplifting flow and a clean finish. Literally liquid complexity that shines as rice and water works to create a field of flavors that dance through the palate. You don't need to be a professional to feel all of the nuances and taste all of the splendid flavors like pear, papaya, green grape, apple pie, powdered sugar, morning pastry, and a luscious load of umami. This is a "cut above" brew that is a perfect gifting sake, and a genuine drinking pleasure. WORD: Elegant WINE: Velvety Pinot Noir/White Burgundy BEER: Creamy Belgian Ales FOODS: Champagne fare including caviar, oysters, lobster, crab, shrimp, sushi, sashimi, and complex elegant cuisines.
From Fukushima Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: +7 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this hand-crafted organic statement sake is a tantalizing collection of white grape, grapefruit, citrus, pear, Sprite™, marzipan, mineral water, and Macadamia nut aromas. This sake is as much a statement as it is a dry Junmai Daiginjo delight. Taking heirloom organic Kokuho Rose rice from California, and making sake by hand in Fukushima Japan, you get a sake that is emphatically organic, but more importantly it’s fantastically delicious, and that’s what counts. If you like your premium grade sake to drink dry, then this is your brew. Dry, light, impeccably clean, and very smooth, this brew is the quintessential “like water sake.” Tight and compact with layers of crisp umami licks, look for hints of white bread, persimmon, cherry, lemon water, white chocolate, radish, and sweet rice flavors that vanish with a very quick finish. This sake is perfect chilled in a white wine glass. WORD: Organic WINE: Dry Reds/ Crisp Whites BEER: Dry Ales FOODS: Yakitori, grilled fish, sushi, sashimi, oysters, caviar, and cheese plates.
Suigei “Harmony”
Suigei “Harmony”
From Kochi Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this prototypical “fruity” Junmai Daiginjo is a wicked collection of tropical aromas such as strawberry, mango, papaya, honeydew, ripe pear, tangerine, mineral water, and sweet rice aromas. This is an absolutely perfect “gateway” sake to gift or drink yourself to get that amazing “how can rice and water drink like a fruit basket of flavors” sake! Sake is amazing, and this Harmony explains why. Lush, fruity, round, smooth, juicy, and very well balanced, there are a boatload of flavors on a nice plump and viscous flow that finish quick and dry. How do they do that? Look for ripe strawberry, mango, papaya, rock sugar, pear juice, honey, juicy apple, and sweet rice flavors that are full, but not sticky. If you want to gift happiness, then this brew is for you. If you want to taste happiness, then this Harmony is you. WORD: Fruitville WINE: Fruity Reds/ Bright Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Cheese and fruit plates, crab, lobster, shellfish, shrimp, white fish sashimi, and sweet shrimp nigiri.