Yamagata Masamune Dewasansan "Inazo"

The nose on this wine-like sake is a fun collection of lemongrass, freesia, lemon verbena, tangerine, Muscat, lemon peel, Sprite, and steamed rice aromas. Yay! Yamagata Masamune is in the house at True Sake, and this brew is very special because half of the Dewasansan (milled to 60%) was hand grown by Inazo himself! Wait! Who is Inazo? It’s the boyhood nickname for Mitobe-san, who owns Mitobe Shuzo and is the wizard behind Yamagata Masamune. From rice paddy to bottle, this sake drinks modern, dry, bright, light, tingly, with a tickling effervescence and a very quick finish. Look for tangerine, pineapple, green grape, dried apple, dried apricot, cucumber, Asian pear, and tonic water that plays with a little astringency (shibumi) and excels a little more on the chilled side in a white wine glass. This Inazo represents what the Yamagata Masamune “style” is known for: excellent vivid and vast sake that has balanced fruit tones and umami hints on a modern flow that is bright and shouts, "This is our mark on Yamagata sake!" WORD: Expressive WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, salty and savory fare, herb sauce fare, greens, cilantro based dishes, and oysters.