Kinshihai Brewery "Yukikage Tokubetsu Junmai 'Snow Shadow'" Sake, NV

Japan, (Nagano Kōshu)
Gohyaku Mangoku and Koshi Ibuki rice milled to 58%
14.5%

 

Niigata boasts the most number of sake breweries in the entire country of Japan, and it’s not a surprise that the area is also one of the biggest consumers of sake as well, with many local izakaya pubs sometimes serving nothing but beer and sake. With so many local brews to choose from its a bit of a surprise that the relatively unknown sake of Kinshihai Shuzo is a favorite of the locals, but to be fair it is comprised entirely of local rice varieties, so it's not THAT surprising, I guess...

TASTING NOTES: Smooth and earthy, notes of toasted brown rice.

 

FOOD PAIRINGS: This is a true gutsy Niigata style sake, smooth and earthy, with notes of toasty brown rice. When chilled it makes a great companion for a sushi platter or gyoza dumplings, but when gently warmed it blossoms into the perfect accompaniment for yakitori, grilled salmon or roasted yellowtail.