Kubota Seppou Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo "Snow Peak Black"

The nose on this collaborative sake between outdoor supply company Snow Peak and Niigata Prefecture’s Asahi Shuzo is a unique collection of chestnuts, steamed rice, grains, butterscotch, and cereal aromas. This very limited collector’s edition sake is a departure from your usual Kubota products, and it’s perfect for a campfire and campfire cuisine. Rich, tight, crisp, and smooth with a little bite; this brew drinks very confidently and is on the dry side. Light in body, but with a generous richness and frisky texture. Look for hints of caramel, sweet rice, and nougat. As the brew warms in the glass, a slight peppery and cocoa quality emerges. This is very much a red wine drinker’s version of Kubota sake that is edgy and intelligent. The Yamahai brewing technique gives this Junmai Daiginjo attitude that drinks with an elevated acidity level, which means it’s great with food. WORD: Unique WINE: Tannic Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Meat, fowl, game, and everything grilled from burgers to steak.