Urakasumi Hiyaoroshi Tokubetsu Junmai Namazume "Misty Bay" 2026

The nose on this fan favorite and dependable Hiyaoroshi single-pasteurized seasonally released brew is a solid collection of sesame, sunflower seeds, mochi, seaweed, peanuts, raw sugar, butter, orange, unripe pineapple, and bread aromas. Made with local Miyagi Sasanishiki rice milled to 60%, this light and smooth brew is extremely well-balanced, with a gentle savoriness and hints of umami. Soft, round, silky, slippery, medium-bodied, and rich-lite, this sake drinks smooth with a long complex finish. Look for maple syrup, rum, vanilla, white miso, tiki drink, pineapple, spun honey, toasted rice, granola, molasses, and dark sweet bread flavors that meld with an integrated acidity to give you a little taste of Northern Japan in the fall. WORD: Balanced WINE: Smooth Reds/Rich Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, grilled white and silver skin fish, grilled miso salmon, grilled mushroom, raw oysters, oyster gratin, sautéed shrimp, sake steamed clams, crab shabu-shabu, seafood hot pot, and Chinese seafood noodles. (2026)

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The nose on this Fall Draft seasonally released “Hiyaoroshi” sake is a vast collection of washed rind cheese, wheat, fall leaves, whipped cream, egg pudding, yogurt, mandarin, kumquat, wild flower, sourdough, peanut, and almond aromas. Yay! This is one of the longest standing and store favorite Fall Draft sake in True Sake history, and for good reason as it drinks like, "Miyagi Prefecture in the Fall in a bottle." Well-balanced, medium-bodied, dry, silky, ricey, water-like, round, and soft, this brew drinks like a rolling autumn river with Miyagi rice, water, and a house made yeast. Look for brazil nuts, beer malt, toasted barley, brown sugar, baking spice, cocoa, caramel, pistachio, browned butter, and melon, with lots of umami, and a dry unripe pineapple mineral finish. A very solid and good example of savory Hiyaoroshi sake at its old-school best. WORD: Savory WINE: Deep Reds/Round Whites BEER: Creamy Belgians. FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, turkey, stuffing, gravy, grilled miso salmon, grilled mushroom, raw oyster with lemon, sake steamed clams, crab shabu-shabu, seafood hot pot, and Chinese seafood stir fry. (2025)