New Store Arrivals – Jozen Hiyaoroshi & Tatsuriki Daiginjo (Green Velvet Box)

Jozen Hiyaoroshi 2017
From Hyogo Prefecture. Daiginjo.
SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this seasonally released single pasteurized “draft” sake is a floral collection of citrus, ginger, and fruity aromas. Chewy, fat, gooey, and bright this Fall sake drinks smooth and very velvety. There are buckets of fruit tones all over the place. Look for grape, pear, apple, mango, and star fruit flavors that swim around on the juicy flow that is bright and rich! There is a rice sweetness as well, but the brew drinks more vivid than sweet. This is one of the brightest and fruitiest Fall Draft sake this season, and if you’re into slippery sake that are super flavorful then this brew is for you. WORD: Bright WINE: Zesty Reds/Fruity Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Seasonal Crab and Shellfish, Oysters, Grilled Fish. $47

Tatsuriki Kame no Sasayaki “Whisper of Rice”
From Niigata Prefecture.Junmai Ginjo Namazume.
SMV: +/- 0 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this sake from a brewery that is famed for using the best brewing rice in Japan is a gathering of pear, melon, sweet rice, and mango aromas. Come on! A green velvet box? You bet, and this sake drinks as cool as it looks and of course the label has a rice stalk that announces the amazing Yamadanishiki brewing rice within. Round, smooth, and tropical. This brew drinks fleshy and fun, and is dramatically tasty! Guess that has something to do with the prized brewing rice that they grow. There are elevator floors of flavors, strawberry here, mango there, and white grape up there. And talk about elegant, not only does the sake drink charmed but the long neck of the bottle makes for a very sweet pouring sound that is pure elegance. Velvety, balanced, and very approachable. This is a perfect gifting sake that can’t miss! WORD: Tropical WINE: Fruity reds/bright whites BEER: Fruity ales FOODS: Steamed and grilled everything.$70