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.  

2016 Magrez-Aruga Koshu, Japan, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$72.00USD

This is made from the Koshu grape in Japan.  Koshu is a hybrid of Vitis Vinifera and some other Asian Vitis species that arose probably 1,000 years ago from the Caucasus via the Silk Road.  Most of the production is in the Yamanashi prefecture.  Traditional an eating grape, it has been used for wine production since the 1870's.  It is a white grape and the wine is a medium golden in color, clear and bright.  There is a slight floral note with minerals and slight apricot on the nose.  Slightly oily texture which is nice.  On the palate, the apricots come thru along with a bit of almonds.  Sl

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.  

 

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