New Store Arrivals – Kuheiji, Harushika, Shigemasu, and Kikusui
From Aichi Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this concept sake is a slick collection of pear, melon, acacia, papaya, grape, honey, and ginger aromas. The brewery calls this a “flattering cuvee which is accessible to all those who claim to be human.” We call it concept sake that is built to be enjoyed by all the sake drinkers all over the world. Using Hyogo-grown Yamadanishiki milled to 45% this Daiginjo drinks light, bright, and very expressive, with a great blending of fruit tones and umami, and an integrated acidity that launches a fresh finish. Look for remarkable flavors such as grapefruit, flan, honeycomb, whipped cream, sweet rice, and powdered sugar that meld with extremely elegant umami to make a tantalizing and refreshing complexity that does best in a white wine glass. If you’re a fan of the very popular Kuheiji brand, then this is a must try. And if you’re new to Kuheiji, this is a great starting point. WORD: Global WINE: Bright Reds/Fruity Whites BEER: Fresh Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, chilled appetizers, cheese boards, steamed white fish, poached fish and chicken.
From Nara Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo. SMV: -4 Acidity: 1.4
The nose on this incredible gifting sake is a splendid collection of grape, honeydew, citrus, mango, cypress, and green leaves aromas. First you notice the packaging, then you see the very cool bottle label after unwrapping, then you get to taste one of the most refreshing and elegantly fruity sakes in the store. This “Fu-In” is a Junmai Ginjo that drinks like a Junmai Ginjo all day long, with a glorious freshness, brightness, juiciness, and touch of friskiness that evolves into a clever, calm, smooth and clean finish. Made with Hyogo Yamadanishiki milled to 55% and using Harushika’s famous House #6 Yeast, enjoy silky soft umami elements that are surrounded with cotton candy, white peach, pear, mango, apple pie, French toast, and honey flavors balanced by a pleasant wine-like acidity. The perfect sake to gift to others, and don’t forget about you! WORD: Fruity WINE: Fresh Reds/Bright Whites BEER: Fruity Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, grilled seabass, shrimp salad, sauteed mushrooms, oysters with lemon, crab, lobster, and dishes with yuzu pepper and basil sauces.
From Fukuoka Prefecture. Junmai Umeshu. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this really beautiful Umeshu is a cool collection of cranberry, hibiscus, apple juice, shiso, honey, peppermint, blended berries, and plum aromas. Look at that color! When you take beautiful Junmai sake, add ripe plums, and then add red shiso what do you get? Crimson. The brewers say that this unique umeshu is smooth, vibrant, and lightly sweet, and we feel it drinks bright, refreshing, thick, viscous, soft, and water-like with a complex cleanliness for all of that action. Look for plum, hibiscus, rhubarb, honey, young strawberry, candied plum, and shiso flavors that jump with a plump acidity that creates a dry finish. Easy to drink, and fun for shiso fans who also like to add a little sparkling wine or club soda. WORD: Plum-And-Shiso WINE: Tart Reds/Fruity Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Cocktail fare, smoked meats and game, pheasant, BBQ oysters, BBQ ribs, ankimo, fruit and cheese boards.
From Niigata Prefecture. Junmai Nama Genshu. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this fresh and unpasteurized “nama” that is “genshu” or undiluted with extra added water (ABV 17.5%) is a cool collection of oatmeal, breakfast cereal bar, cashew, cocoa, sweet rice, and honey nut aromas. Say hello to the newest Kikusui can sake that is made with rice and water only “Junmai.” Shiboritate means fresh and this can is as raw and fresh as you can get, and it drinks rich, round, full-bodied, and savory with lots of umami and a quick finish. Look for sarsaparilla, cashew, Honey Nut cereal, and dark chocolate flavors that glide through the palate on a plush and rich flow with an incredibly clean finish. Smooth, round, and very quaffable. WORD: Rich WINE: Plump Reds/Rich Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Ballpark snacks, train fare, comfort foods, street tacos, and burgers.