Seasonal Sake – The Summer Seasonal Sake Drop Keeps Dropping
From Hiroshima Prefecture. Kimoto Junmai Ginjo. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this seasonally released summer Kimoto is a cool collection of lemon peel, mango, cantaloupe, unripe banana, cotton candy, blueberry syrup, brioche bun, pure ice, candied melon, white grape, and pomelo aromas. Soon to be a fan favorite, the True Sake staff loved the feeling and texture of this traditionally pole-rammed (Kimoto) sake that looks to play with an integrated acidity with a water-like structure. Bright, tingly, crisp, spritzy, silky, snappy, and very refreshing, this sake is a very cool customer. Look for grapefruit, lemon salt, peach, apricot, green apple, cucumber, fresh lemon, honeydew, and melting ice flavors that have a touch of umami and a sea salt finish. Go Kimoto! WORD: Bright WINE: Crisp Reds/Dry Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, fried chicken and fish, tacos, oysters, grilled shrimp, steak, burgers, and BBQ.
Maruishi Nito Satin “Summer” Two Rabbits
From Aichi Prefecture. Summer Junmai. SMV: -16 Acidity: 2.4
The nose on this summer-released sake is a great collection of persimmon, green apple, grape, mango, blueberry, plum, melon, and citrus aromas. The brewers say this sake is “smooth and gentle as the finest silk,” and we agree, as it drinks light, clean, bright, water-like, off-dry, and silky. With a 13% ABV, this is summer in a bottle made with Bonzai brewing rice milled to 70% and is very gentle and very easy. Look for pear, apple, lychee, orange, Asian pear, cherry, white strawberry, almond, and a touch of lemon-water flavors that glide through the palate. WORD: Gentle WINE: Light Reds/Smooth Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: American sushi, tempura with salt, roast beef, melon and prosciutto, citrus salads, and oysters with lemon.
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu. SMV: -8 Acidity: 2.4
The nose on this rare in-style summer Nama (unpasteurized) sake that is not charcoal filtered (muroka) is an amazing collection of rice cracker, violet, toffee, caramel, mochi, lychee, peach, sweet vinegar, kiwi, and nutty aromas. So in a world of over-polished sake, this is an incredible and refreshing seasonal sake that shows just how good sake making has become. Milled to only 90% (10% removal) and undiluted (genshu) with an ABV of only 13% this brew drinks spritzy, bright, crisp, light, tight, compact, and very refreshing. Look for crisp green apple, persimmon, kumquat, nectarine, lemonade, young melon, cream soda, Asian pear, lime, radish top, and a touch of citrus juice in a fluid that is not elegant, but very easy. There is a very quick finish for all of that action and it also has wine-like features with a bit of astringency and tannin-like dryness. WORD: Raw WINE: Big Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Tight Ales FOODS: American sushi, comfort foods, street fare, tacos, salsa, Yakitori, grilled everything, oysters, and fried shrimp.
Nagano Prefecture. Kimoto Nama Junmai. SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.2
The nose on this seasonally released unpasteurized sake is a cool collection of blueberry, honeydew, stone fruits, sweet veggies, and orange peel aromas. If your jam is “cold and smooth” sake, then behold this Nagano superstar. There are very few Kimoto Nama sake on the market. Round, soft, and silky, look for hints of Asian pear, apple, kiwi, steamed rice, and plum flavors. A superbly user-friendly sake that is great to gift or bring to a party. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft Reds/Dry Whites BEER: Light Beer FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, grilled fare, crab, and French fries.
From Nagano Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: +1.5 Acidity: 1.5
The nose on this summer-released seasonal unpasteurized sake is a classic collection of green apple, pineapple, kiwi, muscat grape, peach, papaya, lime peel, vanilla bean, and steamed sweet rice. Made with Nagano’s most famous brewing rice called Miyamanishiki milled to 55%, this summer brew is a wine-lovers sake for all of the right reasons. Light, smooth, fleshy, weighty, and dry this refreshing sake has a classic shibumi or astringent finish that is uplifting and fresh. Look for sweet melon, vanilla, pineapple, kiwi, and a hint of umami and apple together in a velvety flow across the palate. This is elegant summer sake at it’s freshest and refreshing nama best! WORD: Balanced WINE: Fruity Reds/Viognier BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, cold tofu, nachos, grilled eel with salt, grilled scallops with butter, miso-simmered mackerel, salmon meunie, and grilled chicken.