New Store Arrivals – Den#9, Denshin, Tamanohikari, and Heiwa
From Oakland, California. Junmai Nama. SMV: +3 Acidity: 2.3
The nose on this unpasteurized sake that is made batch by batch is a nice collection of grapes, melon, costume wax lips, cinnamon, and pear aromas. Say hello to a crisp, astringent, and lively “batch” with a mesmerizing acidity that tantalizes the tongue. Think crisp apple, young kiwi, Jolly Rancher sour apple candy, and green pear flavors that drink zesty in a small cup, rounder in a mid-sized glass, and brightly layered in a wine glass. Just a fun and lively local brew that is as fresh as fresh can get in the sake world. A super food friendly brew that you can bring to any western restaurant with confidence. WORD: Lively WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: International spice, American sushi, shellfish, salty and savory cuisine. $29/500ml
From Fukui Prefecture. Honjozo Nama. SMV: NA Acidity: NA
The nose on the first Nama of the winter and early spring is a ripe collection of grape, lemon, berries, apple, and powdered sugar aromas. A very fun first shiboritate of the season that is zesty, lively, chipy, and brash. Smooth, fat, and frisky this living sake has so many flavors to explore. Look for citrus, green apple, and custard at first glimpse then dig for minerals, vanilla, and snowmelt flavors that are riding on the bright fluid. Sake is supposed to be fun, and this Fuyu is as much snowmelt fun that you will have in your glass all season. And the 18% alcohol content will also keep you warm on these cold winter nights. Another great seasonal release from Denshin. WORD: Snowmelt WINE: Zesty Reds/Crisp Flinty Whites BEER: Crisp Tight Ales FOODS: Spicy fare, international spice, sushi with sauces. $28/720ml
From Kyoto Prefecture. Junmai Ginjo Namazume. SMV: +3 Acidity: 1.8
The nose on this new Fall released seasonal sake is a gentle collection of grains, butterscotch, toast, and yeasty aromas. Say hello to a very soft and easy single pasteurized sake that has a mellow character that works well with Fall cuisines. Smooth, round, juicy, and very silky there are many subtle flavors that emerge at different sips. Look for hints of caramel, cantaloupe, cherry, and melon with a touch of mint. As the fluid warms there is a nice oatmeal flavor that speaks to the gentle richness of this sake. Welcome to our Fall Draft sake collection known as “Hiyaoroshi” sake. WORD: Soft WINE: Smooth Reds/Creamy Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Rich fall flavors, savory, salty, buttery dishes. $26/720ml
From Wakayama Prefecture. Futsushu Nigori. SMV: -8.5 Acidity: 1.1
The nose on this very classy cloudy sake has a wonderful collection of vanilla, cream, ice cream, and steamed rice aromas. This is a great addition to our Nigori collection, because this sake is so well balanced for an “undiluted” sake. Made with Ippanmai rice that is milled to 75% and categorized as a Futsushu, this sake drinks more like a Ginjo! It is very smooth and creamy with a terrific softness. There are layers of gentle flavors such as pear, powdered sugar, vanilla, and ice cream, but the sake does not drink sweet. The balance of the sake makes for a clean drinking experience so this Nigori is perfect for those cloudy fans who do not like all of the gunk of a sweet chewy coarsely filtered brew. A larger glass brings forth more elegance. WORD: Classy WINE: Soft reds/fruity whites BEER: Creamy ales FOODS: American sushi, International Spice, desserts, fruit and cheese plates. $31/720ml