New Store Arrivals – The 2nd Flight of Fall Draft Sake – Hiyaoroshi’19
Let those leaves keep falling, because we just received our second flight of single-pasteurized Fall Draft sakes called “Hiyaoroshi.” These brews were “rested” or aged from 6 to 8 months to create a style and flavor that is conducive to pairing with rich fall cuisines and fatty fish. This season they tend to drink a little more on the bright fruit tones side like spring released namas. Very flavorful and very fun these Hiyaoroshi sakes would go well with your Thanksgiving turkey array!
From Hokkaido Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Kimoto Namazume.
SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this seasonal single pasteurized sake called Hiyaoroshi that was made using the Kimoto brewing technique has a great nose filled with cinnamon, crushed leaves, toasted rice, caramel, and fresh rain aromas. If you like your sakes on the dry side then this fall draft is for you. Thin, rich, and dry it is a very well balanced brew that drinks like a Totem Pole of flavors but ends with a nice salty dryness. This classifies as a “drinkable” sake that demands a second glass. Look for salted caramel, toasted rice, breakfast cereal, dried coconut, and mineral flavors that are like faces going up and down on the Totem Pole. It is rich but drinks light, and that's pretty cool. WORD: Dry WINE: Dry Reds/Flinty Whites BEER: Dry Ales FOODS: Grilled everything, foods on a stick, salty fish and savory chicken. $32/720ml
From Miyagi Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume. SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this store's favorite seasonally released single pasteurized (Namazume) brew that has a new label this year is a fun collection of raisin, cream, maple syrup, and steamed rice aromas. Say hello to a rich and savory Hiyaoroshi that drinks more on the full-bodied side and not so much on the fruity side. Look for creamy and smooth flavors like roasted coffee, toasted rice, burnt sugar, flan, caramel ice cream, and chicory. Smooth, rich, and layered there is a hint of chocolate that evolves as the fluid warms, which makes this one of the better warming Fall Draft brews. A great example of a savory sake that is full and rich. WORD: Rich WINE: Deep Reds/Fat Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Smoked fish and meats, cheese boards, international spice. $36/720ml
From Yamaguchi Prefecture. Junmai Namazume. SMV: +2.5 Acidity: 1.9
The nose on this Fall Draft sake is a gentle collection of roasted rice, mineral, and butterscotch aromas. Bright, clean, fruity and very light this single pasteurized brew drinks lively and smooth. It is a great example of a slippery sake that has a fluid that glides through the palate and drinks almost like a summer brew. Don’t let the 1.9 acidity level fool you, because this brew doesn't drink zesty or hot, rather it drinks calm and very gently. A very good beginner’s sake that is a good introduction to rice and water tasting like subtle fruit tones, but it also impresses sake connoisseurs who know what Hiyaoroshi sake usually tastes like. Look for hints of white grapes, golden raisins, and cherry flavors in the bright brew. WORD: Light WINE: Merlot/Sauv Blanc BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Gentle and easy fare, steamed fish, poached chicken, sashimi. $32/720ml
From Fukui Prefecture. Junmai Namazume Genshu. SMV: -0.5 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this single pasteurized and seasonal sake is an expressive collection of cocoa, cream, nuts, breakfast cereal, nougat, and toast aromas. Say hello to a real Hiyaoroshi brew that is rich, round, and full-bodied and is ready to pair with most fall cuisines. Fat, plump, full, and very smooth this sake has a great feeling to flavor ratio! It is fleshy and creamy with hints of cinnamon, persimmon, nutmeg, and steamed rice flavors. Lots of Umami in this brew and a larger glass produces better balance on the fat flow. At 19% alcohol you’d think this brew drinks hot but it doesn’t. It is velvety with a gentle astringency that wakes up the senses and pleases the palate. If you like your sakes chewy this brew is for you. WORD: Rich WINE: Fat Reds/Deep Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: International spice, American sushi, cheese plates, fruit dishes. $26/720ml - $49/1.8L
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume. SMV: +2 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this limited released Fall Draft sake is an interesting collection of grains, rice pudding, earthiness, and veggie aromas. Say hello to a very excellent representation of Hiyaoroshi sake that is made in a specific way to pair with the foods of Autumn. In a sense, this is a true Hiyaoroshi that has all of the usual qualities like a rich, savory, creamy, and smooth fluid that feels great in the palate. The best part is that there is lightness to the richness, which is clean, round, and velvety. Look for nougat, flan, roasted rice, and a hint of butter cookie flavors. A mid-sized glass brings forth the most balance, and the sake gets richer as it warms in the glass and when heated. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft reds/Buttery whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Roasted chicken, cooked potatoes, grilled fish, soups and stews. $33/720ml
Shichi Hon Yari Hiyaoroshi 2019
From Shiga Prefecture. Junmai Namazume. SMV: +4.5 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this Namazume (single pasteurized) Junmai is a very cool collection of maple syrup, oats, wheat toast, vanilla, and peanut butter (I first for me!) aromas. I wrote in my hand notes that this is “How a full-bodied brew should be balanced!” Smooth, savory, rich and round this sake tastes like Liquid Autumn. Look for hints of steamed rice, breakfast cereal, maple syrup, and a very interesting savory chicken soup flavor. It is definitely a rich sake, but it is not bulky or bold, which speaks to the great balance. A small cup provides a unique tip of the tongue numbing sensation and a wine glass creates more lightness in the Junmai brew. It is a very nice warming sake. WORD: Rich WINE: Full-bodied Reds/Fat Whites BEER: Buttery Ales FOODS: Steaks, chops, fall fowl, fatty fish, veggies. $37/720ml
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume. SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a gentle collection of nectarine, dried fruits, cranberries, bok choy, and steamed rice. Say hello to a very elegant Junmai Ginjo single pasteurized Hiyaoroshi that is well balanced with a snow melt quality that is mineral-like and slippery. Talk about a mouthful of dried fruit flavors! Look out for dried cranberries, dried raspberries, dried mangos, with a hint of white raisins. Not too heavy and not too light it is a semi-dry slippery slide that has Ginjo elegance and a very nice acidity balance. This brew has the best finish of all ten Fall Draft Hiyaoroshi this year. A wine glass brings out the elegance and highlights of snowmelt and dried fruit tones. WORD: Elegant WINE: Dry Reds/Flinty Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, Sashimi, Grilled fish, Oysters, Shellfish, Dried meats. $42/720ml