Kura no Hana is a Junmai Diaginjyo named after the new strain of rice that the Uchigasaki Brewing Company, Miyagi Prefecture Japan created especially for light tasting sakes. This selection had no nose. The first taste was very smooth, mellow, and full of fruit flavors. There was no bite, and a sweet aftertaste. It is slightly dry which is odd for a fruity drink. It goes well with lobster, scallops, and any kind of white fish sashimi.
500ml $35.00 SMV 0, Acidity 1.1
Today’s entry is the signature sake of Kubo’s Restaurant in Houston. This sake is brewed and bottled in Nishinomiya, Japan. Specifically selected and labeled for distribution exclusively in the restaurant, it has no nose, everything is in the taste. First taste reveals mellow, slightly sweet, fruity flavors that are exceedingly smooth with no tail. The smoothness and lack of an aftertaste is remarkable for a sake that is just a Jumnai. This is must try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
180ml $9.00
Hatsumago, “The First Grandchild” is Junmai Kimoto by Yamagata Prefecture’s Tohoku Meijo. The first smell is slightly floral and pleasant. This is followed by a taste that is smooth, slightly dry, sweet and fruity without being over powering. However, the smoothness is mask by a slight tail on the back end. This is a sake should be served chilled and can be serve with most food.
720ml $20 SMV +3.0 Acidiy 1.3
Nanbu is the old name for Iwate Perfecture, Japan. This sake is made in Morioka, Iwate, Japan. Its a Junmai Ginjyo and has smooth and clean taste, but still has a bite on the back end. While it is a good sake it seems of lack any real distinction of being very smooth or very flavorful, or very anything. This sake is much like a B student, it will never have any problems in school but lacks any A characteristics. It should be served chilled with a light tasting meal.
300ml $10.00 Rating +1.0 Acidity 1.0
Kurosawa or “Black River’ is Junmai grade sake made in Nagano, Japan. This inexpensive sake has smooth character and with lots of earth tones and a hint of oak flavor. Its is a dry sake and has a bit of a bite on the back end, so it is best to drink with food that has rich flavors and possible a little greasy to cover the bite. Grilled chickens or steaks would be a good choice. Generally a good flavor for a cheap price.
300ml $7.00 Rating +2.0 Acidity 1.5
I finished another anime series that I really enjoyed. The music was great and the character development was good and I generally connected with the characters. But the ending, it was not that I disliked how the story ended. Much. I will not name the show because I do not want to ruin it for those that have not watch it yet and that is not what this article is about. Read Article »
Takacho “The Regal Hawk”, this entry certainly lives up to its name. This is a full on, full favored sake that is anything but tame. This fine sake is made in Gose, Nara Perfecture, Japan and is a Junmai Daiginjyo. From the first smells of apple you can tell this is not for light tasting food. The first taste is a bit harsh because of the intensity of the flavors but it is never unpleasant. After the first drink the harshness goes away and you are left with a very full flavored fruity sake. This sake should be served cold with full favored meats or spicy food. $14.50 300ml Rating +5 Acidity 1.6
Recently, I was doing my Japanese homework while listening to an album by Boa, she is a Korean singer who is very popular in Japan, but that’s another subject. While listening to the music I realized that I could understand most of what she was singing but I would have difficulty repeating it. I started to wonder why listening and speaking are so different. Read Article »
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