Shichi Hon Yari Hiyaoroshi "Seven Spearsmen"

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)

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This exceptional fall draft seasonally released sake has a wonderful nose filled with nutty, ricey, toasty, earthy, and a touch of cooked apple aromas. Say hello to a really fantastic Hiyaoroshi sake that has a magic flavor that puts a smile on your Autumn face. It is liquid happiness in a glass that is smooth, rich and very expansive. Full-bodied it is layered with cooked pear flavors that are very pie-like. So think cooked pear or apple pie with hints of cedar and a mild tartness that plays so well with the acidity of the sweetness. This brew warms very nicely as even more flavors come forth. Truly a uniquely flavored sake that is basically Autumn in a bottle. WORD: Apple Pie WINE: Soft Reds/Fruity Whites BEER: Clean ales FOODS: Fall cuisine (2018)