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New Store Arrivals – Summer Nama Explosion

New Namas July 2014

Say hello to a new batch of summer namas! Some are old favorites and others are new to the store. Are namas the end-all-be-all? No they are not! But they do speak to those who like more activity in their sakes with more direct flavors.

The new kid on the block is the Hakkaisan Shiboritate, which I tasted several years ago at their brewery in Niigata. It’s a very nice full-bodied nama that is very food friendly. This Genshu is a brew that has 19% alcohol, but you would never know it. And look at that price point! Are you kidding me? A freshly released nama for $23! That is worth two bottles. And wisely they also released this in a 300ml version and I cannot think of another 300ml imported nama coming into the states at the moment.

Hakkaisan Shiboritate 2014
From Niigata Prefecture
Futsushu Nama Genshu
SMV: +4 Acidity: 1.6
$23/720ml - $10/300ml

Next is the Tsukasabotan Senchu Hasaku, which is written about in the Sake Challenge section of this newsletter. It is far juicier with more fruit tones this season, but still a very dry nama that speaks to those who like dry water! I have always loved the packaging and for those of you who are curious as to what a “nama” really tastes like compared to the heated or twice pasteurized version we have both in the store for you to do your own comparison tasting.

Tsukasbotan Senchu Hassaku “Reika” 2014
From Kochi Prefecture
Junmai Nama
SMV: +8 Acidity: 1.5
$38/720ml

And welcome back Ohyama Nama 2014, which is drinking extremely well this year with layers of flavors on a very smooth fluid. It drinks almost like a ginjo with big aromas and bright tones. This fan favorite always does well at the western dinner table as it acts like a “nama blanket” on large and sometimes spicy flavors.

Ohyama “Big Mountain“ 2014
From Yamagata Prefecture
Tokubetsu Junmai Nama
SMV: +3 ~+4 Acidity: 1.4~1.5
$33/720ml

Lastly we have the ever-popular Dewanoyuki Nama that speaks to those who like a very full-bodied sake that is rich and very impactful. This season’s version does not disappoint those who like a meal in a glass as it is drinking fat and fun. Take this brew to your favorite international spicy cuisine restaurant and feel the sweet heat!

Dewanoyuki 2014
From Yamagata Prefecture
Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu
SMV: -1 Acidity: 1.3
$29/720ml

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