Hagino shuzou

Hiwata Yamahai Junmai

9.0

Sake World 2024 Had to judge given it’s the same glass throughout the tasting but this was nice. Generally a fan of the Kimoto style. — 2 months ago

Ron liked this

Heiwa Shuzou

Kid Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki

JKT

9.2

At second stop Kumano. Locally brewed. Fragrant nose with white flowers tropical fruit notes. Very enticing. Then they all dissolved into a clean but silky texture and smooth on the palate. Fine with French local cooking in Japan. Had two! — 7 months ago

Aramasa Brewery

Ecru Sake 2018

Aaron Tan

9.5

It's times like this when Aramasa makes me think of Keller. Notwithstanding that they both make completely different beverages, it is their ability to bring an incredible drinkability to their otherwise Herculean creations that evokes the comparability. In other words, power without weight. And, of course, I love both producers!

The Aramasa's Ecru is exceptionally pure, in the same light that KP's kabi's are. As Aramasa aptly describes it (and Google not-so-aptly translated it), "reminiscent of thawed water from some cold regions". I like to think that they're referring to pure glacial meltwater, but you get the gist. Even Aramasa's name for this cuvee is perfect - 'unbleached' purity.

Smells like pear, melon, flowers, light cream, and river stones. The palate has a light bittersweet character, which is so alike some mineral water. Trademark citrus acidity and phenolic grip. Finishes juicy, clean, and long. Mind-boggling lightness to what would otherwise be akin to engine oil in weight. In one phrase, a hyper elegant saké.

And oh, this is Aramasa's entry level cuvee too 🤯 — 5 years ago

Scott and David liked this

Aaron Tan

Aramasa Écru

Yamachu Honke Shuzou

Gikyo Junmai Ginjo Sake

Norman Gennaro

9.0

Sake World 2024 Had to judge given it’s the same glass throughout the tasting. This did not stand out. I believed this is polished down to 30%. I would give it a shot outside of this environment. It’s hard for these light ones to get a fair shot in a reused glass. — 2 months ago

Paul and Ron liked this

Fukurokuju shuzou

Ippakusuisei Akita Junmai Ginjo Misato Nishiki

JKT

9.1

Happened on Sui in Kyoto serving Omakase 5/18/24. Wonderful inventive 11 course meal with flexible choices for pairing. Choose the 3 Japanese wines (!) and 3 sakes. Middle one between slightly sweet to very dry. Also in the middle for complexity and finish. — 7 months ago