New Store Arrivals – Abe Gold, Senkin Urara, Ohmine Aiyama, Koueigiku Mikatsuki

Abe White Label “Gold Classic”
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this Daiginjo is an excellent collection of green apple, nectarine, watermelon, cantaloupe, ripe plum, grape, sunflower, finger lime, and mochi aromas. So this white label looks different from the black label right? The black label is their “Modern” brewing technique, and the white label is their “Classic” brewing technique, and it is GOOD! Really good. This version is gentle, light, tingly, fresh, with a subtle crispness and a watery finish that is elegant and tasty. Look for green grape, Asian pear, lemon sherbet, pear compote, lemon cake, cucumber, mint, and lemon water flavors on a flow that is elegant with a subdued acidity and perfect balance. WORD: Elegant WINE: Gentle Reds/Light Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, Champagne fare, oysters, crab puffs, lobster, white fish sashimi, carpaccio, tofu dishes, clams steamed in sake, fugu, and fresh tamago.

*Senkin Kakumei Urara “Crane’s Call”
From Tochigi Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo Shizuku. SMV: ±0 Acidity: 1.6
The nose on this elegant “Ultra” Junmai Daiginjo is a tantalizing collection of mineral, pear, sweet rice, and citrus aromas. This is a great example of rice and water turned into excellence! Urara is one of those “Top of the Mountain” sake that is a terrific example of how good a sake can be. Silky, lively, viscous, fruit forward, and very expressive this sake is world class. Delve for green apple, orange sherbet, pineapple, strawberry candy, and sweet rice flavors that flow on a supremely balanced fluid that drinks like magic water. There is a very fresh tingle to this brew, which explains the bottle cap that pops a little. A larger glass brings forth more excellence, and highlights the labor intensive “drip” form of pressing -technique. WORD: Divine WINE: Complex Reds/Fruity Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, shellfish, oysters, grilled fish, Champagne Fare
*Review for the former version of this sake before the rebranding and packaging.

Ohmine “Aiyama”
From Yamaguchi Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this next rice varietal offering from Ohmine is a very slick collection of lychee, concord grape, blueberry, Asian pear, apple pie, yogurt, papaya, melon, citrus, cucumber, and spring water aromas. Say hello to “Aiyama” brewing rice made the Ohmine way! Soft, light, tingly, gentle spritz, slight effervescence, smooth, silky, bright, juicy with a hint of dryness this is probably the driest of the Ohmine’s in our collection. Look for grape, blueberry, pineapple, tropical fruits, papaya, grapefruit, cooked pear, grapesicle, and with a seared white peach finish this brew is classically Ohmine but with a nice uptick dry acidity that makes this drink drier than the others. Think purple and get your first taste of Aiyama brewing rice. WORD: Light Spritz WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Tingly Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, international spice, tacos, street foods, pasta, yakitori, fried fish, cheese plates, salumi boards, and salmon skin salads.