Imanishi Sanshitsu Junmai Ginjo Yamada Nishiki Nama
A few years ago, I had an outstanding experience at Donjaca Nishiguchi, a late night (though considering they are open until 3am, the appropriate term is closer to “all night”) Izakaya in Shinjuku. The waiter, served me a glass of Sanshitsu Junmai Ginjo. It was just opened and was so fresh that it was almost sparkling. The taste was nothing short of amazing and nearly perfect for my tastes. I was very saddened to hear that the label was made in very small quantities and was very hard to get.
Flash forward to just a few weeks ago in Tokyo, where I saw a very familiar bottle. The very same label, but the unpasteurized version of it.
I wish that I could say that i love this nama as much as the original. It’s still exceptional, with a light, fruity, refreshing taste, it has a bolder flavor that I feel takes away from the delicate balance of the original. Make no mistake though, this nama tastes almost juicy and is an outstanding sake in its own right. Imanishi has something special on their hands with their Sanshitsu line and all i can do is hope that they export to the US someday!
Yamatan Masamune Moon Light 1831 Junmai Daiginjo
Ever since 2011, I’ve brought a bottle of Yamatan Masamune Junmai Daiginjo home with me every time I’ve visited Japan. I find their take on the popular high-polish Yamada-Nishiki formula to be something special and well worth my time.
This year, I had the opportunity to meet Nobuki Yagi, the brewery’s Kuramoto, at the PIA Spring Sake Festival in Shibuya. We had a nice conversation regarding my enthusiasm for his labels as I lamented the fact that I need to travel to Japan in order to have his sake. This comment was met with good news, as they are currently working hard on working out a deal to export their selection to the United States.
We can only hope it happens soon.
In addition to the brewery’s usual selection, Yagi-san was also serving samples of a Junmai Daiginjo called Moon Light 1831. I was fortunate enough to buy a bottle when I was leaving the event.
This label uses Matsuyama Mii rice polished to 50% and features a clean, yet very bold and fruity taste. i doubt that this will be a regular offering, as i don’t see it listed anywhere on their website, but it’s nice to see them branching out and trying to do things with different kinds of rice.
In the meantime, i’ll continue to look forward to buying their labels in the US soon!
Shichida Junmai Ginjo Nama
Today we are having Shichida Junmai Ginjo Nama from Saga Prefecture
Zaku Prototype Code Name M Junmai Arabashiri Genshu
Zaku’s Prototype series is a very interesting, sparkling offshoot of their normal brand which for some reason does not make an appearance on their website.
The carbonation is not at all like a champagne or sparkling water, but instead is very subtle. I would not go so far as to call this “sparkling,” despite the multiple CO2 warnings on the label.
The taste is subtle and fruity, which is very impressive for a genshu sake, as they tend to be very aggressive. This one feels like it has more in common with light, welcoming labels like Dassai than powerful genshu labels like Narutotai.
Zaku continues to impress with their Prototype series and you would be well served to try a glass if you have the opportunity
Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai Nama
Nanbu Bijin Tokobetsu Junmai Nama from Iwate Prefecture at Sushi Seki Hell’s Kitchen
