The “Beau-Zone” Layer – Tsukinokatsura Iwai 88

From Kyoto Prefecture. 

Junmai. 

SMV: +5 Acidity: 1.7

For those playing at home – I appreciate you! Yes, you might recall we featured this brew in the Beau-Zone Layer in 2023. But did we? Ha, the answer is, “sort of.” But let’s just say that you have never tasted this version of Tsukinokatsura. How? Why? Good questions, and thanks for asking about a super Kyoto sake that reflects the soft water of Kyoto and the most expensive brewing rice grown in the region called Iwai. But we tasted it before? Nope, because this version is a totally new product made with the same brewing rice, but this time milled to 88% rather than the 80% that you once had before. It’s also less expensive, because this brewery has a new importer, and they lowered the price, which is awesome considering the environment we find ourselves in today. But how does it taste? 

FANTASTIC! It’s like a slippery and velvety umami ride through the palate, which is creamy, round, lush, and works at three different temperatures. I love the smoothness and complexity that explodes with sweet nuts, chocolate malt balls, black truffle, and dried fig flavors that ride that super soft Kyoto waterslide. And it’s a little dryer than the other version, with a touch more acidity that speaks to you wine lovers out there. 

“Yummy sake at its richest, creamiest, and smoothest.” Yes, I just quoted myself. Ha! 

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