“Baller Sake” – TENKO 35 SHIZUKU
Ha! Let me list the ways that you should not have access to this extremely rare run of killer sake. First and foremost, they only made 120 bottles. Secondly, this was supposed to be for restaurants only. And thirdly, if the Kodama family didn’t like us we wouldn’t be sniffing one of the best noses of a sake that I have ever had the pleasure of taking in. Of course, we took one of the very limited bottles for the True Sake team, which we rarely do for the “Baller Sake” and decided to share our tasting notes. The Kodama’s from Akita Prefecture are famous for the multi-award winning “Tenko” line of sake, and we have sold their sake for almost 20 years. In a word, this is the best bottle of sake that they produce, and you have probably tasted the “regular” Tenko 35 or even the Tenko 20 and most of their other Daiginjos at True Sake or SAKE DAY, so that is saying something.
Tenko 35 “Shizuku”
From Akita Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo Shizuku. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this extremely limited “for restaurant only” masterpiece sake is an OUTSTANDING collection of strawberry mousse, peaches and cream, shiso, chive, pineapple, lemon sorbet, green apple, honeysuckle, papaya, and crème fraîche aromas. Where do we begin with this incredible sake made with Yamadanishiki milled to 35%? The aroma field, which is perhaps one of the most gorgeous noses in the world? Or do we start with the fact that this premium sake shows perhaps the best “effect” of using the Shizuku or gravity drip pressing method. It’s so labor intensive, but they use “Shizuku” for a reason and this sake best captures that with only 120 bottles produced. And yes your bottle will have a number between 1 and 120! Velvety, slippery, supremely smooth, this full-bodied and rich brew actually lets you feel the Shikuku method in each sip. But wait there is more! Look for strawberry jam, pear juice, papaya, lychee, green apple sorbet, cream, nougat, biscotti, creamsicle, crème brûlée flavors with an incredible milky finish that leaves the palate fresh and clean. A flavorful education in the glass! WORD: Superb WINE: