3. 2024 Natsu by Mitsuo Yamakawa. The mouthfeel is soft and slightly sour with a touch of sweetness. Not too sweet, with a slightly spicy aftertaste. Tatenokawa Shuzo, Sobei Early Season, 50%, about 2,800 yen, Hasegawa Sake Shop at Tokyo Station.
I bought this Yamakawa Mitsuo rice during my recent expedition to Yamagata, Japan. It is said to be made from an ancient rice called Sobei Souhei, which is the parent rice of Kame-no-o (I did a little research).
It has a light summery mouthfeel, a little sweetness, and a good acidity. A little spicy to finish. It is a sake with a good balance, or rather, a good saline taste.
Mitsuo Yamakawa 2024 Haru
Dantotsu fruity among the ones I've had so far. From the moment it was opened, it had a fresh sweet aroma, and this was like a dessert sake. The ultra-fine bubbles also make it easy to drink.
I had never heard of Sobei Sake rice before, but upon further research, it seems to be the parent variety of Kame-no-o.
It was surprisingly modern and easy to drink, with a dark, sweet flavor.
This year's theme is "Timeless Sake Brewing.
As if in anticipation of the coming of a decarbonized society,
They have trapped a little carbon dioxide in the sake.
It is a refreshing drink.
The brewer in charge is Mitobe Shuzo.