Tozai Snow Maiden, Japan, Sake Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$19.00USD

Junmai Nigori.  70% Polish.  14.9% ABV.  This is milky/cloudy (the bottle was intentionally shaken before serving), opaque.  A viscous texture.  On the nose, it has a "rice milk" quality with slight melons.  The palate is more about a honeydew fruit quality.  Very interesting.  Refreshing.  

NV Tyku Ultra Premium Silver Junmai Daiginjo, Japan, Sake, Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

15% ABV.  60% polished (40% remaining).  Green/gold in color, cloudy.  The nose has lanolin and slight mint.  Slightly viscous texture.  Dry.  There is a perception of alcohol but not really noticeable.  A herbal note on the palate.  Some warmth on the finish.  This drinks easy and has depth.  

NV Shirakawago Sasanigori (Lightly Cloudy Sake) Junmai Ginjo, Japan, Review

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$13.00USD

As the name says, this is a lightly cloudy Sake.  Cloudy white in color, opaque, sort of like mixing lemonade and milk.  Not much nose to speak of.  On the palate, this is sort of like a milk candy.  Very smooth.  Some coconut on the finish.  Not refreshing but enjoyable and certainly different.  

NV Hakutsuru Awa Yuki Sparkling Sake, Japan, Hyōgo, Review

Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$10.00USD

Very interesting and different.  5.5% abv.  Pale gold/silver/green in color, clear and bright.  The nose has cucumbers, peach and orange cream soda.  On the palate, more like orange creamsicle.  Slightly sweet.  Nice fizz.  Lower acidity.  Drinks like soda pop - easy.  This is enjoyable and fun.  300ML.

NV Kanbara Bride of the Fox - Junmai Ginjo Sake, Japan, Niigata, Review

Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

The name is derived from a local legend that mysterious lights appeared on Mt. Kirin in the past. Locals believed that the lights are paper lanterns carried in the fox-bride procession. The event is celebrated in Niigata every year at the fox-bride festival.  Vary, very pale silver/yellow in color, clear and bright.  The nose has a slightly floral quality to it along with cashews.  Viscous/oily texture.  On the palate, firm umami notes along with a bit of nuttiness and slight mint on the finish.  Very smooth.  No heat.  

 

NV Fukucho Moon on the Water Junmai Ginjo Japanese Sake, Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$19.00USD

This is brewed in Hiroshima, by one of Japan's only female brewery owners and Tojis.  Known for remarkably soft water that requires expert skill to use in sake production.  It has a diluted silvery/gold appearance, clear and bright.  The nose has lemons and pine and with air a bit of powdered sugar notes.  Viscous texture.  On the palate, this is chalky and clean with light citrus (lemons?).  The finish seems a bit soapy with an herbal notes.  Some warmth.  300ML

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