Jyoku Summer Release Junmai Ginjo Genshu "White Bear"

The nose on this seasonally released summer sake from Northern Japan is a plump collection of finger lime, snowmelt, pear, young peach, daikon, spring grasses, veggie, grape, and shaved ice aromas. We have been enjoying our recent Jyoku seasonal releases and this summer white bear is no exception, as it drinks very much to their formula of crisp, clean, and bright sakes with high acidity and wine-like dryness and astringency. Fleshy, rich, edgy, zesty, and frisky, this bear drinks with a brashness and freshness that evokes warm summer nights. At 17% ABV, it packs a little punch with all of those flavors like young peach, young pear, grape, blueberry, biscotti, mint, clover, fennel pollen, and a salt-water finish that is quick and compact. This sake pairs well with rich and strong flavored dishes, and has more growl than the cute label might lead to believe. WORD: Crisp WINE: Savory Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Tight Ales FOODS: Filet mignon, hamburger, American sushi, chicken and fish karaage, stewed pork, ginger pork, stir-fried udon, soba, and simmered fish in soy broth. (2025)

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This seasonally released undiluted Genshu sake has a gentle collection of peach, mango, watermelon, grapefruit, pear, apple, grape, lychee, lilac, and snowmelt aromas. We are very excited to have this Jyoku join our collection as it is built to appeal to wine drinkers, but looking to taste like a summer sake. Medium-bodied, crisp, fleshy, silky, plump, and a little hard water-like, this brew drinks with an elevated acidity that brings this brew up into the astringency altitudes of white wine. Look for clean flavors that start a little tart, fruity, and ricey, then end dry and compact including rice pudding, silken tofu, rye bread, whipped cream, melon, young strawberry, butter cookie, kale, and puff pastry with a savory, umami, dry and mineral finish. WORD: Savory WINE: Plump Reds/Mineral Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Izakaya pub fare, steaks, chops, hamburgers, chicken, udon and soba, summer veggies, and clams. (2024)