Kamikokoro Toukagen "Heart of God"

The nose on this unpasteurized spring released Nama is a gentle collection of plum, peach, mineral, powder sugar, honey, and white chocolate aromas. The "Heart of God" is back! After not being released in the US for over 6 years, now is your chance to try a sake that is made using a white peach yeast for fermentation. Wait what? Yes, the brewers use the yeast found on the skins of these famous Okayama peaches to create a sake that tastes a little like – wait for it – peaches! But unlike versions of the past this year's brew is much different without the jagged edges and brashness and more on the soft and smooth side. It is a good brew to taste the water in a sake, which actually makes up 80% of the final product. Look for a slipperiness or watery-like characteristic that holds flavors such as peach, pear, honeydew melon, ripe tangerine, and watermelon water. This brew is relaxed and very easy. WORD: Smooth WINE: Soft Reds/Gentle Whites BEER: Light Beer FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, tofu dishes, steamed white fish, sole with butter. (2021)

The nose on this very special unpasteurized seasonal sake that is made using a peach yeast instead of a regular brewing yeast is a mild collection of melon, fruity, honey, and peach tones. This year’s Toukagen is lighter in body then in year’s past, but the fun flavors and impact are still very present. Talk about a slippery sake that has a little spritz to it this peachy beast is still extremely unique in a very tasty way. There is a generous flavor that at times tastes like peach and other times sips like apple. Is this year’s version cleaner? In a sense yes, but more body comes as the fluid comes to room temperature. WORD: Flavorful WINE: Complex reds/Frisky whites BEER: Unique ales FOODS: International spice, shellfish, grilled fish. (2015)