New Store Arrivals – Kid Sparkling, Tengumai, Daishichi, Kid Summer, Suehiro
Heiwa Kid Sparkling
From Wakayama Prefecture. Sparkling Nama JDG. SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this unpasteurized sparkling sake is a terrific collection of tangerine, kombucha, ginger, pineapple, melon, lemon peel, and grape aromas. Say hello to another version of Kid sake that is perhaps the driest sparkling sake in the store and is a Junmai Daiginjo. Using Yamadanishiki milled to 50%, this is rice’s version of Champagne that drinks crisp, light, bright, and on the dry side with tight small brut-like bubbles and a quick dry finish. Look for fresh cut ginger, kiwi, watermelon, strawberry tops, lime, Milkis, and tangerine fiber flavors that bounce on a high acidity play with a zesty bubbly attitude and Asian pear finish. Great in a Champagne flute and chilled. WORD: Dry WINE: Sparkling Wines BEER: Dry Ales FOODS: Champagne fare.
Tengumai “50” (UPDATED)
From Ishikawa Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this very famous Noto sake brewery Daiginjo is a cool collection of pear, apple, oatmeal, breakfast cereal, steamed rice, and fresh rain aromas. Soft, smooth, rich but light, slippery, and velvety, this brew is a tremendous “feeling” sake that is juicy, round, and semi-viscous that drinks incredibly balanced and has a quick umami driven finish. Look for fig, raisin, pear in juice, oatmeal, apple pie, fleshy mango, fruit cereal bar, and honey flavors that roll across the palate and drink you as much as you drink them. A white wine glass brings out more Junmai Daiginjo qualities, and this is one of the great unassuming premium brews that is easy to drink and punches way above its weight class. WORD: Smooth WINE: Fat Reds/Smooth Whites BEER: Creamy Belgians FOODS: Izakaya and pub fare, pastas, grilled anything, and American sushi.
Daishichi Kimoto Ume
From Fukushima Prefecture. Kimoto Umeshu. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this special plum sake is a fantastic collection of plum, raisin, honey, sherry, brown sugar, candied fruits, and prune juice aromas. This is a one-of-a-kind ume shu, because the makers use the labor intensive and traditional “Kimoto” or pole-rammed brewing technique to make a sake that is richer and with a rounder body. Smooth, rich, lush, tart, and bright this plump and thick plum sake drinks with a controlled sweetness and an elegant complexity. Look for tons of plums, apple pie, rum raisin, dark honey, Port, and plum candy flavors that are mouth watering and gorgeous. WORD: Kimoto WINE: Port/Sherry BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Cheese and fruit plates, Dim Sum, Smoked fish, duck and pheasant.
Heiwa Shuzo KID Natsu no Shippu "Summer's Strong Wind"
From Wakayama Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: +4 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this seasonally released unpasteurized sake is a gentle collection of berries, Asian pear, melon, and cucumber aromas. Are you ready to chill this summer? Well this very popular Summer nama will ease you into this poolside and hot evening brew that was built to cool you down and lighten you up! Clean, light, gentle, slippery, and with a slight tingle you can taste the freshness with every sip, and fresh sake is awesome sake. Look for apricot, persimmon, Asian pear, crisp apple, rice cracker, and clementine flavors that gently ease through the palate with a nice mineral finish. Wine drinker’s often ask if sake can be refreshing, and this Natsu No Shippu “Summer’s Strong Wind” is the affirming yes! Chilled in a plastic wine glass by the pool is the way to go. WORD: Light WINE: Beaujolais/ Gentle whites BEER: Light ales FOODS: Summer veggies, fruits, and fish, sushi, sashimi, crab and caviar.
Suehiro “Ken” (UPDATED)
From Fukushima Prefecture. Daiginjo. SMV: +3.5 Acidity: 1.0
The nose on one of the original “OG” exported premium Daiginjo brews is a clean collection of pear, mineral water, lavender, strawberry, melon, and fig aromas. Fukushima has won more Gold medals than any other prefecture in the past decade and a half, and this Daiginjo is a perfect example of the formula sake that keeps winning gold. Basically it drinks flavorfully, clean, and has a quick and uplifting finish that is a judge’s best friend. Clean, round, silky, slippery and dry, it is very water-like, gentle, and elegant. Look for Asian pear, powder sugar, grape, nougat, ginger, and minerals that cut through the palate like a sword “Ken” and finish quick and gone. If you like Dry Daiginjo sake this is your brew, and if you’d like to try a dry Fukushima-style Daiginjo then get your Ken on. WORD: Dry WINE: Brisk Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi and Sashimi, grilled fare, salty, savory, and vinegar-based dishes.