On a trip to Yamagata
I found a corner space in a souvenir shop in Hijiori Onsen (hot spring) and ordered a set of drinks to compare without hesitation.
I chose a brand I didn't know from among about 7 kinds.
Left
Hanabayo Miyamanishiki Daiginjo Hana no Eda
There is only one sake brewery in Okura Village where Hijiori Onsen is located.
There used to be four, but they all quit, said the 91-year-old sales clerk at the souvenir shop at Shinjo Station.
Clean, sharp, refreshingly dry.
The goodness of Miyamanishiki is coming out.
Cosy daiginjo, the shopkeeper said.
Great sake as a food sake
The middle
Matsumine-no-Fuji Jungin Jusui Jikkomi
A rich, sweet, juicy sake made with less water than usual.
Also delicious!
Right
Tenyumi Midare
This sake seems to be made by the "Marolatech method", which is a method used in wine brewing.
It seems so now that you mention it (what?).
Anyway, it is also delicious.
Yesterday, I drank a red-labeled "Sakura-ame" at an izakaya (Japanese-style bar),
It was the same sweet and juicy, but this "Suiame" was sweeter.
I think I prefer the red one.
I wanted to try more, but I had to leave the izakaya after this.
What a wonderful place, Hijiori Onsen, to be able to have a drink at a souvenir shop!
I want to come back again!
Sake brought at a home barbeque party.
A bottle brought by a person whose previous location was Yamagata.
While we could almost taste it, we'll start with a fancy looking sake!
It's light in the mouth, but has a strong aftertaste and is very drinkable. Also, I like the texture of the frizzy paper on the label, it's very unique.
The last sake I drank at a sake bar in Yamagata
It was a brand I didn't know, but it was silky and beautiful.
As one would expect from the ginjo kingdom of Yamagata! I want to drink it again ^_^.
This is a comment from an amateur drinker.
Today, I had a cup of sake that was left at a standing bar run by a young owner.
The sake is sweet and voluminous, with an overall feeling of doshiness. It is a well-balanced sake, including the aftertaste.
Personally, I wish it was a little spicier, but I am grateful to be able to drink it.
I've had many different kinds of Hanabayo and they are all delicious. Silk has a mellowness that takes it to the next level, as if it were a special treat for the locals.