Masumi Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi "Sleeping Beauty"

The nose on this ever-popular Fall Draft sake from Nagano is a gentle collection of  persimmon, celery, fig jam, banana bread, green apple, brown sugar, cocoa, and steamed rice aromas. Light, clean, watery, and slick, this Junmai Ginjo Hiyaoroshi has a nice balance with a clean finish and an umami departure. Look for mochi, minerals, ripe banana, red apple, grains, caramel, cocoa nibs, persimmon, and hints of avocado toast flavors that bounce with some astringency that appeals to wine drinkers. WORD: Persimmon WINE: Tannin-Reds/Flinty Whites BEER: Light Ambers FOODS: Bonito sashimi, tuna sashimi, grilled fish, yakitori, tomato salad, and prosciutto with melon. (2024)

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The nose on this single pasteurized seasonally released fall draft sake is a gentle collection of cinnamon pastry, Asian pear, sesame, crushed leaves, banana bread, nuts, and mineral water aromas. Say hello to the most elegant of the Hiyaoroshi sakes thus far this year. Always a super fan favorite, this year’s version drinks with an even more classiness and eloquent nature that would appeal to those looking for a softer and more gentle “Ginjo-like” experience in their seasonal sake. Clean, light, slippery, and crisp, this Masumi has an elevated and nicely balanced acidity play that would appeal to wine drinkers. Look for sesame, Corn Pops™, wheat toast, powdered sugar, crème brulée, candy shell, mineral water, and flinty flavors that drink easy and elegant. A touch of savoriness and a tease of umami that expands in a wine glass. WORD: Elegant WINE: Gentle Reds/Flinty Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Sushi and sashimi, crab, lobster, sweet shrimp and Champagne fare. (2023)