If you're new to premium sakes and are looking for a few solid, safe, but still exciting brews you've come to the right place. We've picked three popular and highly acclaimed brews to start you off on your journey to sake nirvana.
Check out these mouth watering descriptions:
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Description: The mellow nose on this cloudy "Nigori" unfiltered sake is filled with steamed rice, cinnamon, clove, and dairy elements. Lots of nigori sakes are fruity sweet bombshells - not this dry and compact brew that drinks more zesty and bright than gooey sweet. Unique to the unfiltered world this guy drinks complex and quick with creamy elements that are coupled with dry fruit tones capped with a hint of citrus. Look for steamed rice and asian apple pear licks balanced out on a dry and crisp flow. A great example of "the other kind of Nigori."
One word to describe this sake brew: Dry
Food Pairings: Light Pasta, Grilled Meats, BBQ & Skewers, Fried or Salty Dishes, Game and Fowl, Grilled and Steamed Veggies, Turkey, Ham and Game, Hamburgers, Pizza, Mac & Cheese, Assorted Cheeses, Fruit (Parfaits, Pies)
Taste profile: WINE: Dry reds/Crisp whites; BEER: Hefferweisen
Description: This “solid as your father” sake has a mild nose filled with green apple, bamboo, steamed rice, apricot and pudding elements. Talk about a “feeling” brew that is grounded and drinks very well balanced. It’s a classic “non-impactful” sake that is a joy to drink because it is so solid and so sake! There is a smooth and subtle richness that hides within a tight and compact delivery that rounds out more in a larger vessel. Take the flavor elevator up for hints of rice crackers and steamed rice, and down for semi-sweet deep and earthy tones including maple syrup and caramel. A light and solid sake that has many masks, but one solid face.
One word to describe this sake brew: Smooth
Food Pairings: Sushi, sashimi, grilled oily fish, Asian fried fare
Taste profile: WINE: Merlot/Sauvingnon Blanc; BEER: Hefferweisen
Description: Behold a brilliant nose filled with green grapes, minerals, wheat, and steamed rice. This Ginjo is a Totem Pole of personalities and each flavor has a face. Look high for deep and rich chocolate tones and peer low for a creaminess that screams “empty cup.” The richness is the real play with this sake, as the depth and feel come forth when you use a larger drinking vessel. A cold weather Ginjo that has a warmth that red wine lovers could sink their teeth into.
One word to describe this sake brew: Layered
Food Pairings: Pasta, soups, cooked fish, and your favorite hamburger
Taste profile: WINE: Cabs-Zins/White Burgundy; BEER: Belgian Ales
