It also has an apple-like aroma and a hint of rice. Despite the aroma, the taste is surprisingly clean and crisp, and the good balance gives it a high-class feel.
Niigata is indeed a rice-producing region. It has a strong rice flavor, but the aftertaste is clean. Light and dry, it goes well with any meal from salads to sashimi.
It has a sweetness and umami that is not typical of hiyaoroshi. It has a good balance of spiciness and sweetness, and its moderate acidity and fruity taste make it a good choice for a mid-meal drink.
The acidity is weak and the mouthfeel is delicious. The mellow umami conveys a sense of quality. If drunk as an aperitif, it is richly delicious and gives a sense of anticipation for the meal that will follow.
The sweetness is moderate and the impact of the sake is weak. It is easy to drink and refreshing, just like hiyaoroshi sake. Ideal as an in-between-dinner drink.