Tenbu Junmai Ginjo

The nose on this sake made in a prefecture that is known for shochu is a very cool collection of melon, stone fruit, pineapple, tangerine, black licorice, and vanilla aromas. Spritzy, lively, bright, tingly, zesty, crisp, and refreshing, this brew is extremely talkative in the glass. Look for apple, Asian pear, honeydew, watermelon, papaya, and herbal flavors, with a minty and umami filled finish. What makes this Junmai Ginjo really cool is that you can taste the brewing technique that this brewery uses with lots of flavors upfront, a supremely quick finish, and an overall lightness and brightness that makes this sake drink so well. As the fluid warms in the glass, more peach and citrus flavors emerge with a touch of earth tones on the finish. Pretty damn cool sake that uses local brewing rice milled to 50%, which makes this a Daiginjo for the price of a Ginjo. WORD: Refreshing WINE: Light Reds/Expressive Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, shellfish, oysters, grilled chicken and fish.