Akabu Junmai Daiginjo "Gokujo no Kire"

The nose on this stunning "Ultra Daiginjo" is an amazing collection of cantaloupe, strawberry, grape, cotton candy, pineapple, apple, pear, sugar cookie, and floral aromas. Are you ready for a professional's sake? This brew made with Yuinoka rice milled to 35% is fleshy, with fruit tones and a quick dry finish that the brewery says is a “super dry finish.” They also call this sake the “best of the best” from Akabu, and that is saying something. Smooth, ethereal, comfortable, and impeccably balanced.  Look for melon, pear, green apple, rock sugar, young mango, young strawberry, fig, persimmon, and apricot, with loads of umami and a mineral phantom finish. The label is probably one of the coolest in sake (look in the swordsman’s hand). If you ever wanted to gift sake, this brew is the total package. WORD: Professional WINE: Deep Reds/Round Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Champagne fare, passing dishes,  hors d'oeuvres, seafood everything, caviar, shellfish, sushi and sashimi.