Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Namazume Hiyaoroshi "Seven Spearsmen"

The nose on this classic Hiyaoroshi Namazume (single-pasteurized) sake is an awesome collection of maple syrup, chestnut, oatmeal, brown sugar, brown rice, sugar cookie, and cereal milk. Smooth, viscous, round, medium-to-full-bodied, luscious, and voluptuous with textural complexity, this brew drinks like Fall in your glass. This is throwback Hiyaoroshi sake that does not drink like the modern more fruity versions, and classically catches the umami and richness of Autumn. Look for cereal, grains, honey, toasted rice, brown sugar, almond, nougat, corn, and elegant red bean flavors that roll through the palate, and drinks more ricey as it warms in the glass. WORD: Classic WINE: Big Reds/Rich Whites BEER: Full Belgians FOODS: All Fall cuisines, turkey, chicken, sushi, meats, game, rich pastas, and stews. (2024)

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The nose on this old-school seasonally released single-pasteurized fall draft sake is a rich collection of corn, wheat toast, buttered popcorn, toasted rice, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin aromas. If you want to taste an old-school Namazume that your Mom and Dad drank, then this brew is for you, and it’s all about the rice and umaminess therein. Rich, round, crisp, solid, with a tannin-like dryness, this is red wine drinkers Hiyaoroshi sake to a “T.” Look for oatmeal, rice cracker, dried nectarine, dark chocolate, cooked pear, kale, veggie crackers, and buttered popcorn flavors that jump with a tingly acidity play, and go deep for some complex and deep old-school sake vibes. This is "sake drinkers sake" that is solid and flavorful. A refreshing change to the fruity light new-style Hiyaoroshi brews. WORD: Ricey WINE: Deep Reds/Edgy Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Salty, savory, greasy, fried, rich, and comfort fare. (2023)