Koshinohomare Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Genshu "Kura no Homare"

The nose on this elegant and gently sweet Daiginjo is a vast collection of honey, apple, papaya, mango, sugar cane, lemon poppy seed, shortcake, sweet rice, and herbal aromas. Welcome home! This sake used to be offered only seasonally, and now it's available year-round. Lightly pasteurized, it drinks very much like an unpasteurized brew, lively and juicy, medium to full-bodied, lush, with a really cool "vel-tingle" that is velvety and tingly, possessing a gorgeous delicate fizziness. It's got weight, but it's elevated and bright. Look for pear juice, apple pie, brown sugar, shiso, orange rind, mango, violet, berry, sweet grass, and honeydew flavors with a tantalizing umami vein and bright, lively finish. Made with a Niigata rice variety called Koshikagura milled to 50% and using Kyokai 1801 special brewing yeast, this Daiginjo has impact. The maker's style of blending umami with gentle sweetness is not to be missed. WORD: Impact. WINE: Fat Reds/Chewy Whites. BEER: Fruity Ales. FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, tempura, crab, shrimp, pork cutlet, fried chicken, cream stew, beef pasta, gratin, steak, and comfort foods including fish tacos and burgers.