Ozeki Junmai Daiginjo "Souke Ozakaya"

The nose on this sake is a really cool collection of butterscotch, nougat, rice cracker, cashew, caramel, and rich steamed rice aromas. This incredibly smooth and clean Junmai Daiginjo is a craft sake from a large brewery, but don’t let that fool you! It’s a work of ricey art that is really a celebration of premium sake that actually tastes like a nice bowl of steamed rice with loads of umami, and a superb quick and sea water finish. Slippery, light, round, velvety, and very elegant, this brew drinks like water but with a nice plump juiciness. Look for salted caramel, nougat, steamed rice, apple, Asian pear, and savory flavors that dance with a very lush umami flow, and actually gets smoother as it warms in a wine glass. If you’re not into fruity Daiginjo sake, then this very elegant brew is a ricey and smooth treat for you. And hell yes it’s Ozeki, and damn proud of it. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft Reds/Plump Whites BEER: Rich Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, oysters, yakitori, meats on a stick, izakaya or pub fare, creamy pastas, and pork chops.