Brand Name] Hakurakusei Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer] Shinzawa Brewery (Sambongi, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice] Domestic rice (details undisclosed)
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, muscat, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. The acidity lingers refreshingly, and it wears off quickly.
Impression: Modern, light and dry.
A bottle with the concept of "the ultimate food sake.
I have drunk it countless times, but I have the impression that the taste differs depending on where you buy it, so I report on it every time.
The aroma is a mild ginjo aroma with a refreshing green apple aroma. The taste is light and clear, designed to complement the ingredients. The sake is smooth and easy to savor, with no cloying flavors. Like the previous Suminoe, this is a representative of the modern, light, dry style of Miyagi sake (the brewer was once trained at Suminoe).
Pairing] White fish sashimi, sushi, chilled tofu, dishes using soup stock, soba noodles
Repeat Score] 2.5
Suminoe Junmai Ginjyo Nakadare
Suminoe Shuzo (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo-shu (Nakadare)
Rice] Yamadanishiki, Kura-no-Hana
Rice Polishing Ratio] 50% [Alcohol Content] 16
Alcohol content] 16% [Sake alcohol content] +4
Sake meter degree] +4
Acidity] 1.5% [Yeast] Miyagi yeast
Yeast】Miyagi yeast
Sake Brewing】One time heating.
Sake Cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, grape, white peach, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. It is cut off easily by the acidity and bitterness.
Impression: Modern, light and dry.
The aroma is moderate, but refreshingly fruity. The grapes are more Kyoho than Muscat.
The taste is clear and crisp, just like Miyagi Prefecture. The balance of acidity and sweetness is exquisite. It has a soft cohesiveness that is typical of Nakadare.
I've been trying many Suminoe wines lately, and they all seem to be perfect, so I think this one might make it into the Hall of Fame...
Pairing: Oysters, sea squirts, white fish sashimi, sushi, soup stock dishes.
Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand name] FUKUCHITOSE CUVÉE Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer] Tajima Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: 100% Koshinoshizuku
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】12度
Yeast] Nodai Yeast
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma] +2.0 (apricot, apple, white grape, yeasty)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.5 (crisp, fresh, citrus acidity)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.0
Bitterness: 1.0
Lingering] Short and refreshing. Slightly fruity and cool sensation remains.
Impression: Fruity dry wine.
The aroma is like apricots and plums. There is also a yeasty sensation as if it were sur lie in wine.
The taste has a pronounced acidity and a low sugar content, and seems to be made with wine in mind.
It has a gorgeous, juicy aroma that is typical of Noda yeast, and a light, refreshing taste at 12 degrees C. It has a taste more like plum wine than wine.
However, it tastes more like plum wine than wine, so there may be different tastes.
Pairing] Carpaccio, salad, grilled white fish, dishes with lemon
Repeat Score: 1.5
Brand Name] Amego Tsuki Junmai Daiginjo Omachi
Sake Brewer] Aihara Shuzo Co.
Type of Sake] Junmai Daiginjo
Rice] 100% Omachi
Rice polishing ratio】50
Alcohol content】17度
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（Muscat, white peach, ripe melon, slight banana)
Appearance] Slightly greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0 (soft and round acidity)
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium umami and fruit sweetness, alcohol aftertaste
Impression: Fresh, mellow and umami.
The aroma is fresh and fruity, typical of nama-shu. From the attack, the strong alcohol gives body to the taste, which is balanced by the acidity and sweetness. The taste is unexpectedly punchy.
The rich flavor and thickness of the Omachi grape is enveloped by the transparency of the Ame-go-Tsuki style, resulting in a classical and elegant finish. Both drinkable and gorgeous. On the rocks is also a good idea.
As a trick, add more soda water to dilute it and make it sparkling. Because of the alcohol content and the fullness of the Omachi grape, it can be drunk well even if the bottle is quite full.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Shichiken Junmai Hiyoroshi (Hiyoroshi)
Sake Brewer] Yamanashi Meizo K.K. (Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Sake type: Junmai-shu (Hiyaroshi)
Rice used: Domestic rice.
Rice polishing ratio] 70% [Alcohol content] 15
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma] +1.5 (apricot, banana, nut)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium. Nutty lingering taste gently lingers.
Impression: A mellow, umami type that leans toward the classical style.
The aroma is of robust fruit and nuts.
The taste is 70% shaved, but the impression is clean and beautiful, and it is very well-balanced and easy to drink.
As is typical of hiyaoroshi, the freshness of new sake is rounded out, and the fruitiness of apricots and chestnuts is harmonized with a mildly matured aroma.
Pairing】Pairs well with autumnal dishes such as grilled swordfish, sautéed mushrooms with butter, chestnut rice, etc.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] TABIKA KIU
Sake Brewer] Hayakawa Sake Brewery (Kojima, Seki-cho, Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture)
Kind of sake] Junmai-shu (pressed in a tank)
Rice] 100% Hachitan-Nishiki produced in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, pear, white dumpling)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Light. The acidity and bitterness remain well balanced and crisp.
Impression】Modern dry wine with a light flavor.
Comparison with Tamitsu.
The aroma is moderate, but refreshingly green apple-like.
The taste is refreshingly light and dry, a type I personally like.
It has a lightness typical of Hachitan-Nishiki, but it also has a softness derived from the tank pressing process. Compared to the earlier summer "Bourru", it has a clear and smart impression.
Pairing】Pairs well with simple, delicate dishes such as sashimi and chilled tofu.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Tamitsu Summer Bourru
Sake Brewer] Hayakawa Sake Brewery (Kojima, Seki-cho, Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture)
Type of Sake: Japanese sake (summer only, nigori sake)
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 60
Alcohol content】15%.
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.5（Pineapple, white peach, banana, sake lees, yogurt)
Appearance] Lightly cloudy
Taste】 【Taste
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 2.0
Aftertaste: Light. The sweet and sour taste lingers pleasantly, and the nigori-derived mellowness can be felt.
Impression: Fruity and juicy.
This wine is named after the French word "Bourru" (new sake).
The aroma has a gorgeous fruitiness, with nuances derived from sake lees and lactic acidity. The taste is very fruity with a good balance between acidity and sugar content.
The taste is fresh and summery.
Repeat Score] 1.5
Brand name] Fukkai Reihou Hi-iri
Sake Brewer】FUKUDA SHUZO K.K. (Hirado, Nagasaki)
Type of Sake] Japanese sake
Rice] 100% Reihou
Rice Polishing Ratio】No indication
Alcohol content】14度
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma] +1.5 (green apple, citrus, white flowers, minerals reminiscent of sea breeze)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Clean and short. A tidal minerality lingers, giving it a pleasantly cool feeling.
Impression] Refreshingly light and dry.
The aroma is fresh, with a rummy feel.
The taste is refreshing without being too acidic and has a moderate sweetness, giving it a cool, ramune-like feeling.
Reihou is a rice variety from Fukuoka, but Nagasaki is a major production area. As the brand name "Fukkai" suggests, this bottle evokes images of sea breezes and the ocean. It is an excellent match with seafood, especially with sashimi, white fish, and Hirado's local cuisine, but it is also well-balanced and quite drinkable on its own.
By the way, it is treated as dessert today (laugh).
Repeat Score] 2.0
Sake Brewer] Izumihashi Shuzo (Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Sake Brewer] Izumihashi Shuzo (Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai-shu (sake brewed using the traditional "Namahashime" method of making sake)
Rice used: 100% Yamadanishiki produced in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Polishing ratio] 80
Alcohol content】16度
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+1.0（Steamed rice, nuts, soft lactic acidity)
Appearance] Slightly yellowish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Umami and lactic acidity linger gradually. A mild bitterness finishes the taste.
Impression: Classical mellow umami.
The thickness of 80% polished rice combined with the acidic backbone of a sake made from the original brewing process gives this wine a calm and pleasant drinking experience. It is not flashy, but it has a strong sense of rice flavor, and is a perfect match for autumn harvests and seasonal dishes. It can be enjoyed in a wide range of temperatures, from chilled to heated, but it is especially appreciated when heated (around 50°C).
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] Banjo Kotobuki Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer] SUZUKI SHUZUKI SHUZUKI SHUZUKI Brewery (Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture / Formerly owned by Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo
Rice used: 100% Yumenokoh from Fukushima Prefecture.
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15度
Sake cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+1.5（green apple, white dumpling, hint of banana)
Appearance] Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.0 malic acid, mainly lactic acid
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Sweetness remains gently.
Impression] Classical mellow umami taste.
After losing their brewery in the earthquake, the Suzuki Sake Brewery moved from Fukushima to Yamagata to rebuild, and by brewing this sake with rice from their hometown of Fukushima, the brewery hopes to "keep Namie sake alive.
The aroma is full, with fruit and rice aromas coexisting. The taste has acidity, but the softness and sweetness typical of Yume-no-Kou stands out, and it is exactly the quality of sake from Fukushima.
In a word, a very emo sake.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Kudokibe Junmai Daiginjo Bizen Omachi 44 Namazume
KAMENOI SHUZO (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Kind of sake] Junmai Daiginjo (Nama-zume)
Rice] 100% Bizen Omachi
Rice polishing ratio] 44
Alcohol content] Less than 16-17 degrees Celsius
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（Muscat, white peach, pear, banana, sake lees)
Appearance] Greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium to slightly long. Gentle sweetness remains.
Impression] Mellow and fruity.
This one was also blind tasted.
It is fruity, but also contains the aroma of sakekasu (sake lees), and I thought it might not have been cut down much, but I was wrong. I heard that it has a sake-kasu feeling derived from aromatic yeast (hmmm... I'm learning not to be fooled). I drank it 5 days ago at another restaurant (lol). I heard it didn't have sakekasu feeling at that time... 😰.
The taste is mellow and full with sweetness and umami, typical of Omachi.
It has a great impact as an aperitif or on its own. It is a bottle to enjoy its fruitiness rather than to pair it with delicate dishes.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Gakki Masamune Nakadori off-dry
Sake Brewer] Oki Daikichi Honten (Yabuki-cho, Nishi-Shirakawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture)
Honjozo (Nakadori, non-filtered and non-pasteurized)
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] Koji rice: 60%, Kake rice: 60
Alcohol content】16度
Sake Cup】Wine glass
Aroma】+2.0【Muscat, pear, green apple, rummy
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 1.5
Acidity: 2.0 (malic acid + sharp citric acidity)
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Fresh and short. The freshness of the fruit acidity remains pleasant and quickly kills off.
Impression] Modern light freshness.
This week I was offered a guess instrument in the blind alsobe frame.... The aroma, the feeling in the mouth, the taste is extremely familiar and I love it. But here's to myself for not being able to call it an instrument.
The aroma is still a beautiful fruit basket. The quality of the wine is clear and beautiful, with a low sugar content for an instrumental. I can't tell how many times I've had the alsobe, and it's also very clean, like it's been sharpened, so it's not for exam preparation.
[Repeat Score] 2.5
Brand Name] Shuoh Naruto Tai Ginjo-shiboritate Nama-nazake
Sake Brewer] Honke Matsuura Sake Brewery (Ikeya, Oma-cho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Ginjo-shu (Nama-genshu)
Rice used: Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 58
Alcohol percentage] 18.5
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】+1.5（banana、green apple、white peach)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 2.5
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering] Powerful sweetness and alcohol volume remain.
Impression: Mellow, fresh and powerful.
The fruity and gorgeous ginjo aroma typical of freshly squeezed sake and the volume typical of sake with alcohol content in the 18 degree range coexist.
There are two ways to enjoy it: drinking it as it is and feeling its body, or adding water to make it a balanced sake with an alcohol content of 13-14%. It is also fun to see what kind of water is used to dilute the sake, so high-alcohol sake can be quite enjoyable.
Repeat Score] 1.5
Gokotsuru Dry Junmai Sake
Sake Brewer] Ban-ei Transport Co.
Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture (Former Suwa Mikotsuru Sake Brewery)
Kind of sake】Junmai-shu
Rice] Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio】Koji rice 60%, Kake rice 70%.
Alcohol content】16度
Sake cup】Inoguchi
Aroma] +1.0 (green apple, steamed rice)
Appearance] Slightly greenish crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.0
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Very refreshing. The pungent taste of alcohol lingers.
Impression: Classical light and dry.
The aroma is modest, but the main flavor is a fresh green apple ginjo aroma, which is hard to believe for a wine of this sharpness.
The attack is fruitful with the influence of the aroma and sharp acidity, but it quickly switches to dry mode with its ultra-dry design.
Overall, it has a dry mouthfeel that is more subdued than floral, and goes well with simple Japanese dishes such as soba noodles, grilled fish, and wild vegetable tempura.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Kudokibe Junmai Daiginjo Omachi 44 Namazume
KAMENOI SHUZO (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Kind of sake] Junmai Daiginjo (Nama-zume)
Rice] 100% Bizen Omachi
Rice polishing ratio] 44
Alcohol content】16〜17 degree Celsius
Sake Cup】Wine Glass
Aroma】+2.0（Muscat, white peach, pear, a little banana)
Appearance] Greenish crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium to slightly long.
Impression: Mellow and fruity.
The aroma has a gorgeous fruit aroma typical of Ogawa yeast.
The taste is thick and balanced, with an impression of sweetness and acidity.
The fullness and sweetness typical of Omachi is elegantly finished with the transparency of 44% polished rice.
Because it is freshly bottled, it has a freshness, yet the "fullness and thickness" of Omachi is well expressed. It has a gorgeous and juicy structure that is typical of Kudokutei.
Pairing] Sashimi of medium fatty tuna, Spanish mackerel saikyo yaki, cheese, cream dishes.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Houou Mita Houou Kanbashi Junmai Ginjo, bottle warmed and fired.
Sake Brewer] Kobayashi Shuzo (Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo (warmed and fired in a bottle)
Rice] 100% Yamadanishiki from Hyogo Prefecture (grown without pesticides at Fujita Farm)
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】16〜17 degrees Celsius
Sake cup】Oinokuchi
Aroma】+1.5 Muscat, green apple, young pear, herbiness
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acid: 2.0 Malic acid, lactic acid
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium to slightly long
Impression: Modern, mellow, medium dry
The aroma is fresh, with muscatel and green apple predominating. The taste has a strong impact of acidity and fruity aroma, and the mouthfeel is juicy, but the bottle-warming process keeps the overall taste calm and well-balanced. Compared to the Gohyakumangoku we drank today, it has a more expansive flavor, which is typical of Yamada.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Chokaizan Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Nama-shu
Sake Brewer] Tenju Shuzo (Yajima-cho, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture)
Junmai Daiginjo (Unfiltered Nama-genshu)
Rice used: 100% Miyamanishiki produced by Tenju Sakebai Kenkyukai.
Rice polishing ratio] 45
Alcohol content】17度
Sake Cup】Oinokuchi
Aroma】+1.2（White peach, muscat, pear, banana)
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 2.0
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium to slightly long. The fruity ginjo aroma and lingering alcohol lingers gradually.
Impression: Fruity, mellow, medium-bodied.
The main aroma is heavy fruit and banana. The taste is a modern sake with a bottom with a sense of attack typical of high alcohol content sake.
The transparent Miyamanishiki is polished to 45%, and the balance between freshness and volume is exquisite.
[Repeat Score] 1.5
Brand】Midorikawa Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer】Midorikawa Shuzo (Aoshima, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture)
Type of sake】Junmai Ginjo
Rice】Domestic rice
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】15.5度
Sake Cup】Inoguchi
Aroma】1.0【White dumpling, steamed rice, green apple
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Flavor
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.0 Lactic acid type
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. Lactic acidity lingers for a while.
Impression: Niigata-style classic umami, light and dry.
The ginjo aroma is subdued, and the main aroma is that of rice. The taste is restrained, but not too crisp, with a beautiful and well-balanced quality that is typical of Niigata. It has a calmness due to low-temperature aging, and while it has a slight thickness of rice, it cuts through easily. It is a versatile all-purpose food sake.
Pairing] Grilled fish (salted salmon, Spanish mackerel), cold tofu, tempura (kisses, vegetables). Lukewarm heating is also recommended.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand Name] Hououmida Cold Wholesale Junmai Ginjo
Sake Brewer] KOBAYASHI SHUZO (Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Junmai Ginjo (Cold Whispering / Hiyoroshi)
Rice used: 100% Gohyakumangoku produced in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture.
Rice polishing ratio] 55
Alcohol content】16〜17 degrees
Sake Cup】Tasting cup
Aroma】1.5 ripe white peaches, green apples, pears, and a hint of banana.
Appearance】Crystal
[Taste] [Mouthfeel
Body: 2.0
Acidity: 2.0
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 2.0
Bitterness: 1.5
Aftertaste: Medium. The acidity and umami are well-balanced, and it disappears with a calm impression.
Impression: Calm, mellow, medium dry.
The aroma is a bit fruity and calm, with white peaches and other fruits.
The taste has a beautiful balance between acidity and sweetness, and a little umami.
Although it is a 55% shaved Ihyakumangoku, it has a full flavor even though it is light, which may be a characteristic of Nanto sake with a large heart white.
Rather than the gorgeousness of new sake, the sense of maturity and mellowness typical of cold wholesale sake comes out in the front. It is excellent as a food sake that accompanies autumn ingredients.
Pairing] Grilled salted swordfish, cooked rice with mushrooms, and bonito tataki.
Repeat Score] 2.0
Brand name] Haneya Clear Blue Nama Sake
Sake Brewer] FUMIKIKIKU SAKE Brewery (Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture)
Type of Sake] Japanese sake
Rice] Domestic rice (blended, details undisclosed)
Rice Polishing Ratio] 60
Alcohol content】14%.
Sake Cup】Tasting cup
Aroma】1.5 green apple, muscatel
Appearance】Crystal
Taste】Mouth-feel
Body: 1.5
Acid: 2.5 Mainly malic acid
Sweetness: 1.5
Umami: 1.5
Bitterness: 1.5
Lingering: Short to medium. It is short to medium, with a light lingering acidity and sake-kasu (sake lees) nuance, but wears off quickly and easily.
Impression: Fruity, medium dry.
The aroma is fresh and fruity, with a hint of sakekasu (sake lees) on the palate. The acidity is firm and very refreshing. The low alcohol content makes it easy to drink.
A modern summer sake that is both fresh and crisp.
Repeat Score] 2.0
