Hakuto Tokubetsu Junmai "Deep Faith"

The nose on this brew that is made by a husband-and-wife brewing duo is a very interesting collection of honey roasted nuts, grains, pancakes, breakfast cereal and hay aromas. This is a real treat to the Junmai category that has lots of rich, savory, and full-bodied flavors, but is also elegant with an attitude that celebrates the ricey umami-side of flavorful sake. Smooth, rich, with a little brightness in acidity, there are layers of very unique flavors such as pound cake, maple syrup, bread pudding, freshly baked cookies, lemon icing, baked Cinnabon™, and apple strudel. It is slightly earthy and very deep in the Junmai category, but they brew using a technique that calls for two days of pressing, which gives this sake a layer of elegance best described as soft or silky, which highlights all of the natural umami in the fluid. WORD: Umami WINE: Deep Reds/Fat Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: All things on a stick, grilled, roasted, stewed, and comfort foods.