New Store Arrivals - The Fall-Released Namas and Bunraku X 3

December 2006

New Store Arrivals - The Fall-Released Namas and Bunraku X 3

Posted by admin in 2006, December, New Store Arrivals, Newsletter

new store arrivals dec 2006 Yes folks it is that time of year when the "Hiyaoroshi" sakes are starting to run out! Remember Hiyaoroshi means that they made this sake in the Spring this year, using last year's rice, pasteurize it once, and then let it "mature" throughout the summer for 6 months and then release it without hitting it with heat again. This produces some very unique flavors from some very cool breweries. We are down to our last several cases of both of these brews, so be quick or be gone!

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Urakasumi Hiyaoroshi "Autumn Draft"
Miyagi Prefecture.
Tokubetsu Junmai.
SMV: + 1.5 Acidity: 1.4 The nose is filled with aromas such as chestnuts, raisins, and cream. From the brewery that specializes in "balanced" behold a new twist in seasonal sake - a brew that is both rich and crisp! This draft has a complexity and elegance that must come from the subtle maturing, and be on the lookout for a hidden layer of raisins within the dry and rich onslaught. Overall it is a light, rich and crisp sake that drinks mellow.
WORD: Crisp
WINE: Dry reds/Crisp whites
BEER: Crisp ales
FOODS: Sushi, anything from the grill, and hard cheeses.
$26/720ml

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Wakatake Aki No Ki-Ippon "Autumn Draft"
Shizouka Prefecture.
Tokubetsu Junmai.
SMV: +1 Acidity: 1.4
This once-pasteurized draft sake has a nose filled with earth tones, caramel, and hay. Think smooth and layered when tasting this brew, as there is an abundance of round and soft flavors that rest more on the earthy side. Watery, calm and gentle it drinks far drier than its SMV. There are hints of smoky elements but the overall character is mellow, and that is why they make this type of sake. A good example of light and smooth draft sake.
WORD: Smooth
WINE: Soft reds/Dry whites
BEER: Pilsners/stouts
FOODS: Grilled and salty fare, sushi, and smoked cheeses.
$26/720ml

Also new to the store is a trifecta of sakes from a brewery that we call Bunraku. New to the US these brews are solid and eventful and that is why we selected them amongst roughly 20 other sakes. When you see the packaging you may wonder if we sold our souls for the look rather than the build/flavor? But alas we still abide by the "no matter how cool the bottle looks if the sake sucks we will not carry it" mantra. That said the bottles are pretty damn cool! These three brews are all in the 300ml format so they are perfect to pick and taste!

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Bunraku "Japanese Puppet Show"
Saitama Prefecture.
Junmai Ginjo. SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.3 (Est.)
The nose on this plump Ginjo is filled with vanilla, caramel, sandalwood and a hint of mint. Let the "Puppet Show" begin as this brew fills your mouth with a fat and round feeling that is so viscous and smooth. Look for rock candy and honey elements that float on a gentle rush of semi-thick and velvety tones. The sake drinks dryer than the sweet elements would lead you to believe, but the overall strength of this brew is a chewy and solid sake that would speak to beginners and the well versed. And don't forget to listen to the pour out of this cool bottle.
WORD: Rock Candy
WINE: Fruity reds/ Fat whites
BEER: Sweet ales
FOODS: Fruit salads, cooked fish with chutney, desserts.
$16/300ml

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Bunraku "Dancing Gold Flakes"
Saitama Prefecture.
Junmai Ginjo Kinpaku.
SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.3 (Est.)
The nose on this "Celebration Sake" is filled with vanilla, marshmallow, sweet cream and caramel elements. This extremely "drinkable" sake drinks like a mouth party with a plump and smooth flow of flavors including honey and a touch of maple syrup. Semi- sweet and chewy Bunraku is a great gift for those who do not like the booziness of hot sake. The wide flavor profile speaks to anybody who likes equal parts feeling and flavor.
WORD: Fun
WINE: Pinot Noir/ Chardonnay
BEER: Creamy ales
FOODS: Celebration foods!
$16/300ml

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Bunraku "Forgotten Japanese Spirit"
Saitama Prefecture.
Yamahai Junmai.
SMV: +5 Acidity: 1.5 (Est.)
This traditionally made sake has a very unique nose filled with chocolate, cream, and wool elements. Talk about a smooth and soft sake! This brew has different faces at different temperatures. Out of the fridge look for ripe rich fruit tones, including kiwi, and when it gets closer to room temp behold dryer elements that are more layered such as steamed rice, creamy pâtés and potatoes. There is a nice vein of white chocolate for those who really spelunk for flavor! Round, soft and silky this Yamahai is gentle and expressive at once!
WORD: Smooth
WINE: Soft reds/ thick whites
BEER: Ales
FOODS: Sushi, grill fare, French fries.
$15/300ml

You can review many of our sakes on our web site:
www.truesake.com

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