Shinkame 20 Year Aged Junmai "Mahoto"

The nose on this incredible 20 year aged sake is a killer collection of walnut, lemon rind, button-mushroom, black pepper, dark chocolate, miso, butterscotch, dashi, fig, raisin, soy sauce, and moss. We love Shinkame and this masterclass in sake making started over 20 years ago tank aging then bottled upon request. Meaning they kept tasting it and then released it when it was perfect. Made with Gohyakumangoku milled to 60% the brewers were looking for smooth and rich flavors that drink round, slippery, clean, buoyant, puffy, water-like, and very elegant with a dry umami finish. This “Koshu” is not a big dark brew, rather it is tinged with a little color, which means it was cold aged.  There is a tannin-like dryness that appeals to wine drinkers and if you are a fan of umami, then this sake should be in your white wine glass. Look for dark chocolate, butter-rice, barley, konbu, shiitake, cocoa, nutmeg, Smores, sea salt, plum, dried meats, and fig flavors that move with complexity across the palate. What a sake drinking experience. Gift it to the sake fan in your family. WORD: Perfection WINE: Deep Reds/Complex Whites BEER: Belgian Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, complex pastas, steak, chops, Yakitori, turkey, game, smoked meats, stews, mushroom fare, umami and rich cuisines.