Beau Zone Layer – Otokoyama “Kita no Inaho”

From Hokkaido Prefecture. Daiginjo. SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.2 

When a brewery makes a sake that is specifically celebrating the 150th Anniversary of a prefecture then they better get it right. Right? Now if that prefecture knows its sake like Hokkaido Prefecture does then there is a little added pressure to get it right. Right? Well, luckily Otokoyama brewery didn’t drop the ball. In fact, they nailed it! This celebration sake that was launched in the US at SAKE DAY’18 is one of those clean and round brews that has an impact. Wait what? Yes, it’s soft and velvety and still has impact, and that is pretty cool. There are waves of ripe fruit tones, but it doesn’t drink fruity. In fact, this brewery is well-known for making dry sake, so of course the finish is dry and super drinkable. It sounds goofy, but sometimes “celebration” sake is too pampered and over the top that you miss the point of celebrating. This “Kita No Inaho” is literally glass-after-glass, an easy celebration sake that puts the cheer in your palate quicker and with more smiles.