Zaku Junmai Daiginjo "Asahi"

The nose on this small batch and limited sake is a wonderful collection of honeydew, blueberry, rock sugar, Asian Pear, persimmon, Pixy Stix, grapefruit, melon soda, raspberry, and cherry aromas. From a brewery that is incredibly focused on taste this is one tasty sake that is loaded with flavors and has a very refreshing and bright character. Often found in restaurants, this is a food-friendly Zaku that drinks thick, viscous, fresh, frisky, crisp, smooth, silky, and lively. Look for cantaloupe, strawberry, cotton candy, grape, blueberry, grapefruit, kumquat, and mineral flavors that jump across the palate in a tingly rush. Made with the ancient and very temperamental and fragile Asahi rice varietal milled to 50% this sake is hard to get even in Japan. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Bright Reds/Lively Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, crab, lobster, shrimp, white fish carpaccio, seared scallop, grilled chicken, avocado salad, ponzu-based dishes, and oysters.