Nechi Otokoyama Junmai Daiginjo BY2020 “Koshitanrei”

Words from Eduardo Dingler:

The 2020 Nechi Otokoyama Junmai Daiginjo is Watanabe San's prized current release. It was the best sake this year at Niigata's Sake No Jin. 100% Estate Grown Koshitanrei 40%. Only 834 bottles produced. 

I was first introduced to Nechi Otokoyama by the late Yuka San and Yoshizaki San, I was running the Morimoto Restaurants beverage program at the time. I was immediately attracted to the style and the story of Watanabe San. I took the first opportunity I had to visit the brewery tucked in the gentle hillside slopes of Itoigawa in the Southern portion of Niigata near Toyama.

His vision of estate grown rice along with 'Vintage' Sake became clear when we sat at his favorite local restaurant and tried a vertical of his Single parcel grown Koshitanrei Junmai Daiginjo. Hard not to become a believer after that experience. Since then I've seized every opportunity to enjoy his sakes that have been featured in three star Michelin Restaurants.

During Sake No Jin (the largest Sake Festival in Japan held in Niigata City) last year, I tasted this sake and immediately asked Watanabe San to secure an allocation for the US. That's all we could get, a handful of bottles that are now featured at True Sake. The sake is simply heavenly, a Burgundian approach with pristine aging and reaching new heights. Thrilled to share these gems and turn you into believers. Thank you Beau, Mei, Chris and team for sharing the passion for this unique Sake. Kampai!

Onward and Forward,

Eduardo Dingler