First Kamitaka. It is labeled as a deep golden yellow, but the color seems to be lightly tinted.
It has a lactic acid aroma. It has a firm flavor, with a strong acidity from mizu-hashiroshi. It is easier to drink at room temperature than cold sake.
This is the first badger.
It has a refreshing and subtle umami flavor that is typical of aluzoe, and it is crisp and clean for a sake with a Sake meter rating of +3.
There is a refreshing feeling of alsostickiness. The appleiness described on the label is definitely there, but not strongly assertive, and generally refreshing.
It has a clear, clean, soft mouthfeel typical of Jungin Nagano sake, with a subtle sweetness and flavor of rice that comes in softly later. In general, the taste is elegant and delicate.
It has a heavy mouthfeel, as it is called "rich umakuchi," and has a robust flavor typical of 80% polished sake, which is not typical of Niigata sake.
When served cold, it has a slightly alcoholic aftertaste. When heated, the sweetness increases and the sharpness becomes more balanced.
The first Izumi Kiyoshi is served.
It has a clear, refreshing taste with a light flavor. It was served on the rocks, which may have given the impression of being a little too light.
First Meijo served lukewarm. It has a soft umami flavor and is crisp and clean.
We had it with seared firefly squid (photo #3) in the Aki Yashiro set for the second day in a row.