JIRO
This sake is from the Yokouchi Sake Brewery in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi.
It is a minor brewery and was not sold at any local liquor stores. Although the sake is sold under the name of Yokouchi Sake Brewery, it is brewed by Taikan Brewery, which lives on the same premises and apparently outsources its production to the brewery.
My impression is that it is a good old Showa-era sake. The first sip is fruity and gorgeous. Next, spiciness, bitterness, and complex flavors swell, and finally, the alcohol comes in with a thump, making it a very satisfying drink. It is a sake that would suit the great Showa-era star Ken Takakura, red lanterns, and rope curtains.
When chilled, it has a refreshing taste, but at room temperature, the mildness and alcohol taste become stronger and it is like a different kind of sake. It goes well with fried food, sashimi, potato salad, and anything else.
I would be very excited if this sake was served at an izakaya.
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