Sake Seasons – Final Flight of Hiyaoroshi Sake To Feast On
Going. Going. And almost gone! Herewith is the last flight of Fall Draft sake that are released in the Autumn to go with Fall and early Winter cuisines. If you missed the first flights some of these brews remain, but they are now joined with more exceptional ricey and umami-rich sake called “Hiyaoroshi” that make you truly feel and taste the season. Some of these classics are very good to warm or enjoy at room temperature. And please take note of the Nishinoseki, which took us 20 years to get into the store! You’ll have to wait a year before they land again.
Nishinoseki Akiagari 2024
From Oita Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai. SMV: -3 Acidity: 1.6
We have been waiting 20 years to get this twice pasteurized Fall release sake, and we are the only place you can get it! The nose on this Autumn masterpiece is a vast collection of persimmon, blueberry, nougat, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, Fuji apple, cane sugar, honey, and rice bran aromas. Round, lush, silky, smooth, rich, viscous, fleshy, and balanced, this sake drinks on the savory side with a nice tannin-like dry finish. In a word, it is a velvety umami bomb that glides through the palate with smoothie goodness! Look for vanilla, cake frosting, fig, brown sugar, chestnut, brioche, caramel, chocolate, pancake and maple syrup flavors that are rich and full-bodied, but drink with an elegance that bestows the flavors of Fall the old-fashioned way. WORD: Umami WINE: Soft Reds/Creamy Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Seafood hot pot, grilled fish, roast pork, chicken in cream sauce, pasta, creamy oysters, yakitori with sauce, and butter mushrooms.
Ohyama Hiyaoroshi 2024
From Yamagata Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume. SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this single-pasteurized seasonally released Fall Draft sake is a clever collection of vanilla, powdered sugar, brownie, black currant, kelp, white flower, and steamed rice aromas. Are you ready for the lighter side of Autumn sake? Clean, smooth, water-like, round, light, thin, savory, and fresh, this Yamagata brew drinks a little zesty and a little watery with an unbelievable flavor field. Look for vanilla, cream, grape candy, tangerine, watermelon, rock sugar, strawberry, cocoa nibs, blueberry, and milkshake flavors that race through the palate with complexity and dexterity. And awesome sake to taste a million flavors in one sip with a gentle balance, and a hint of tingle and zest. WORD: Totem Pole WINE: Thin Reds/Light Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, grilled fish and chicken, tofu, light soups and stews, shellfish, oysters, and salami boards.
Sawanoi Hiyaoroshi 2024
From Tokyo Prefecture. Junmai Namazume. SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this seasonally released single-pasteurized Fall Draft sake is a vast collection of chestnut, apple pie, mochi, Ovaltine™, sweet potato, cherry compote, cinnamon, apple cider, and steamed rice aromas. Made with Koshiibuki rice from Niigata, this "Tokyo Favorite" brew has a great juicy and savory play that extols Fall freshness and lots of umami. Clean, crisp, zesty, mid-body, gripping, tingly, and sharp there is a gentle like-water and umami play with a nice and dry finish. Look for persimmon, nectarine, ginger, cinnamon, white mushroom, toffee, asparagus, cocoa nibs, and crisp apple, with a very cool spicy finish. This sake drinks very much like that cool Fall label. Good for warming. WORD: Savory WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: IPA FOODS: Bonito tataki, grilled silver skin fish with salt, smoked tofu, stewed beef, bacon, and cheese board.
Kikuhime Hiyaoroshi 2024
From Ishikawa Prefecture. Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume. SMV: -2 Acidity: 2.0
The nose on this cult brewery fan favorite seasonally released Fall Draft brew has an active collection of banana bread, melon, mango nectar, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut water, tobacco, lemon and honey tea, lemon muffin, and Tokyo Banana™ aromas. Say hello to the boldest "Hiyaoroshi" sake in our collection this year. With an ABV of 18% and made with the highest rated Yamadanishiki (AAA) from Hyogo, this "fully matured" brew is a massive and expansive sake that blends umami and sweetness with a refreshing crisp acidity to make a dazzling drinking experience. If you like it big and with impact, enjoy this Ishikawa fan-favorite that drinks rich, round, fleshy, tingly, full-bodied, and fun with a long flavorful finish. Look for raisin, honey tea, vanilla, caramelized sugar, lemon cookie, beef jerky, and other frisky flavors that drink loud and with umami heat. This is sake drinker's sake. WORD: Umami WINE: Frisky Reds/Lively Whites BEER: Stouts FOODS: Yakitori, chicken teriyaki, fried chicken, grilled fish, sukiyaki, prosciutto, pizza, French fries, and warm salads.