New Store Arrivals – A Record Number of Hiyaoroshi Fall Draft Sakes Are Here

We are in Fall Draft sake heaven. Not joking! When we opened True Sake so many moons ago there was not one Hiyaoroshi sake available in the US. Not one! Then Kazu Yamazaki from Japan Prestige Sake Imports started bringing them in about 9 years ago. Then he brought more! And then the rest of the industry joined in and today we have 10 different Fall Draft sakes to choose from. Ten is not a lot, but it is a ton if you ask me! Come try some amazing fall flavors and remember that these sakes were made to pair well with autumn cuisines. Herewith are 5 different Hiyaoroshi sake selections by Mei:

Shichi Hon Yari Hiyaoroshi 2017
From Shiga Prefecture. Junmai Namazume.
SMV: +4.5 Acidity: 1.8 $40
The nose on this Fall Draft sake has rice, raisin, dried plum, and wheat aromas. Say hello to the beefiest of this year’s Hiyaoroshi or single pasteurized sakes of this season. Round, soft, and very rich this sake drinks gooey and plump. Talk about chewing through a glass of sake this brew is full-bodied personified. There are hints of pancake or waffle qualities that drinks toasty and full. This brew drinks almost gamey, so it is perfect for full bodied fall cuisine flavors. WORD: Beefy WINE: Deep Reds/Huge Whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Beef, game, and wild fowl.

Otokoyama Hiyaoroshi 2017
From Hokkaido Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume.
SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.8 $32
Gotta love a label with seals drinking sake in the Autumn leaves right? The nose on this fall nama is cool collection of cinnamon, toasted rice, and woody aromas. Say hello to one of the driest Hiyaoroshi sakes this fall. Light, dry, and very flavorful this brew drinks almost like soft water. Look for hints of cinnamon and rice flavors that almost tastes like a breakfast cereal. Smooth and very slick the fluid is almost buoyant and it floats in the palate. A large glass makes the brew lighter, but the best flavor point is achieved with a smaller cup. When you warm this sake look for a malty and cocoa flavor. WORD: Cinnamon WINE: Dry Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: This is a perfect fried food sake that takes oil well.

Urakasumi Hiyaoroshi 2017
From Miyagi Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume.
SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.5 $36
Year in and year out this is one of the most popular fall draft sakes. The nose on the this seasonally released sake is a collection of brown sugar, breakfast cereal, and “brewery” smell with wet wood aromas. Similar to 2016 this year’s Urakasumi is the classic RSRS (Round, Soft, Rich, Smooth). Talk about a full-bodied expansive sake with gentle acidity and sold balance. Look for Nougat, oatmeal, and buttery flavors that drink like a candy-bar treat. Creamy and savory, viscous and fun, this brew is a fan favorite for a reason. WORD: Rich WINE: Pinot Noir/Chewy whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Creamy and savory fare, shellfish, oysters.

Wakatake Oniotome Sachi Hiyaoroshi
From Hokkaido Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume.
SMV: +2.5 Acidity: 1.8 $32
The nose on this seasonally released Fall draft sake is made up of crushed leaves, steamed rice, and wood aromas. This great looking label artwork sake drinks more masculine than the lovely lady. Dry and roasty, round and smooth this is a very rich and savory brew. Talk about a sake that feels great in the mouth. It’s plumpand viscous, which means chewy goodness. There are hints of nougat, dried apple, and raisin bread flavors all on a smooth and fat fluid. WORD: Savory WINE: Pinot Noir/Fat whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare with oils and spice.

Kikusui Hiyaoroshi 2017
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume.
SMV: +2 Acidity: 1.8 $32
The nose on this seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a gentle collection of crushed leaves, soy sauce, citrus, and toasted rice aromas. Okay! Hands down this is the softest and smoothest Hiyaoroshi sake this season. It is so round and fluffy you can actually taste the smoothness. That’s right! You can taste the feeling! On the whole the brew drinks dry with a velvety flow. There is a nice richness with all of the ricey and neutral flavors. I wrote “rich water” in my notes and feel that this is the definition of a rice libation. It’s not fruity or sweet, just ricey and nice! WORD: Smooth WINE: Merlot/soft whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: Salty and savory fare with grease and oil.