Yamagata Masamune Usu Nigori "Inazo"

The nose on this cult favorite sake is a cool collection of sourdough, grape, green apple, lemon lime, yogurt, candy, and yeasty aromas. This brew is all about family and Yamagata! The owner was destined to become a rice farmer, so he was given the nickname ‘Inazo’ which is a play on words. Ina means rice stalk and zo means elephant. He embraced the name and bestowed it upon this sake using the Yamagata rice varietal Dewasansan. Lots of names so far, including Usu which means “misty” or gently cloudy, for a sake that just drinks damn good. Light, slippery, gentle tingle, bright, zesty, crisp, and water-like, it drinks with an elevated acidity that appeals to wine drinkers and has dry clean finish. Look for Asian pear, apple, greek yogurt, Clementine, snap peas, mineral water, yuzu, and fresh grape flavors that do the elephant dance in a white wine glass. We love the label and you will love the brew. WORD: Misty WINE: Sharp Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, Yakitori, comfort foods, salty, savory, and greasy fare, cheese plates, International spice, street foods, and picnic chow.