Shichi Hon Yari Hiyaoroshi "Seven Spearsmen"

The nose on this old-school seasonally released single-pasteurized fall draft sake is a rich collection of corn, wheat toast, buttered popcorn, toasted rice, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin aromas. If you want to taste an old-school Namazume that your Mom and Dad drank, then this brew is for you, and it’s all about the rice and umaminess therein. Rich, round, crisp, solid, with a tannin-like dryness, this is red wine drinkers Hiyaoroshi sake to a “T.” Look for oatmeal, rice cracker, dried nectarine, dark chocolate, cooked pear, kale, veggie crackers, and buttered popcorn flavors that jump with a tingly acidity play, and go deep for some complex and deep old-school sake vibes. This is "sake drinkers sake" that is solid and flavorful. A refreshing change to the fruity light new-style Hiyaoroshi brews. WORD: Ricey WINE: Deep Reds/Edgy Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Salty, savory, greasy, fried, rich, and comfort fare. (2023)

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The nose on this Namazume (single pasteurized) Junmai is very cool collection of maple syrup, oats, wheat toast, vanilla, and peanut butter (I first for me!) aromas. I wrote in my hand notes that this is “How a full-bodied brew should be balanced!” Smooth, savory, rich and round this sake tastes like Liquid Autumn. Look for hints of steamed rice, breakfast cereal, maple syrup, and a very interesting savory chicken soup flavor. It is definitely a rich sake, but it is not bulky or bold, which speaks to the great balance. A small cup provides a unique tip of the tongue numbing sensation and a wine glass creates more lightness in the Junmai brew. It is a very nice warming sake. WORD: Rich WINE: Full-bodied Reds/Fat Whites BEER: Buttery Ales FOODS: Steaks, chops, fall fowl, fatty fish, veggies. (2019)