Hey There, Nomidachi!

in observance of Memorial Day

Limited Release Spring Namazake
Tamanohikari "Shukon" Shiboritate Genshu (Kyoto)
The good news: After experiencing this fantastic sake at a local izakaya, we tracked down the distributor and made a fuss until they secured us a case.

The bad news: We managed to get our hands on the last case of the season, and half of it has already been sold, so there are only a half-dozen bottles up for grabs, and we'll be pouring and selling it starting tomorrow, 5/25.

Our notes: Candied fruit, cream, and pink grapefruit in the nose.  Clean, soft, and full, with a bracing genshu bite in the finish.  Elegant, yet hearty.  Very limited production, from a brewery founded in 1673 (NOT a typo).
Price: $40/720 ml 


Otokoyama Junmai Shiboritate Nama Genshu (Hokkaido)
Aromas of fresh linen, bamboo leaf, and whole grain banana bread.  Clean and direct, with a hint of cream.  On the drier side, with some delayed spiciness in the finish.  And, there's an adorable polar bear on the label, which is nice.
Price: $45/720 ml





Kokuryu Ryu "Gold Dragon" (Fukui)

We heard about this brew from a friend in Japan who heartily recommended it, and we managed to track down the importer and arrange for our distributor to get us some bottles.  The only challenge is that it is considered a “special order” item, so we have to commit to buying case quantities.  The first 2 cases will arrive toward the end of next week, and they are going very quickly.

With a SMV of +6, Koiku 54 carries on in the Suigei tradition of being on the drier, cleaner side of things, made to drink in mass quantities (like we feel all the good ones are!).  In the words of the importer, "Its inherent taste, which speaks volumes about the quality of its raw ingredients, is dry yet carries a discernible solidity.  Savor this mixture of umami-filled, refreshing acidic brew chilled, with a meal."

ETA: Friday, June 1 (due to the Memorial Day holiday, I anticipate this might possibly get pushed back a week to 6/8)

Order by: Wed., May 30

Thanks very much for reading, we hope to see you soon, and please enjoy a wonderful weekend.

Howdy, Nomidachi!

Shichida  Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu (Saga)                  Pronounced amber tint and fragrances of white peaches and melon in the nose.  Lively, acidic, and incredibly fresh – nearly effervescent.  The texture is soft, but the flavor is sharp.  In short, “The collected tears of joyously weeping angels.”  $80/720 ml bottle


Rihaku “Origins of Purity” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Shimane)                
Introduced to Washington last year, and one of Johnnie’s new favorites!  Fairly pronounced golden tint, with aromas of peach, mango, kiwi, nectarine, and a touch of mint.  Silky, soft mouthfeel, with citrusy flavors of young fruit on the palate.  Richness and depth of flavor with an overall impression of being substantial but not overpowering.
$60/720 ml bottle


Fukucho “Moon on the Water” Junmai Ginjo Namazake (Hiroshima)           
A little rice sediment is visible and the nose shows notes of pine needles, oranges, cloves, ginger, and persimmon.  Lively and fairly acidic on the palate (nearly carbonated!).  Juicy and sharp melon flavors contrast nicely with the sake’s soft texture.
 $55/720 ml bottle


Seikyo “Omachi” Namazake Tokubetsu Junmai (Hiroshima)      Soft & citrusy, with a luxurious, almost viscous mouthfeel.  Notes of grapefruit and lemon throughout, creating a wonderful, beguiling contrast between the sharpness of the acidic citrus elements and the silky texture.  Traces of minerality and astringency on the edges make it an ideal pairing for oysters on the half-shell.  $55/720 ml bottle



Denshin Haru “Spring” Junmai Ginjo (Fukui)                                    This nama (unpasteurized) genshu (undiluted) has a brilliant golden hue with a gorgeous floral and candied bouquet.  Richly flavored, with intense ripe peach fruitiness on the palate.  Viscous, almost syrupy texture is nicely contrasted with perfect acidity.
$45/720 ml bottle


Kagatobi Muroka Nama Junmai (Ishikawa)                                         Shiny gold in the glass, and the nose has notes of candied fruit and a hint of earthiness.  It tastes intriguingly dry AND rich, even a bit spicy.  It packs a genshu-esque (undiluted) punch at 18% ABV, but with a very soft, gentle mouthfeel.  $45/720 ml bottle

Much thanks and great appreciation to our moms, and yours, too!