1. Chochin Junmai Nama Genshu Awa Yamadanishiki 65 Shinbunshi (長珍酒造)
- In stock, ready to ship
On the nose, seductive notions of cherry clafoutis, five spice braised pork belly, or cherry chutney.
But the palate...oh man, it’s so good, it's so indescribable. Maybe it’s like a perfect toffee-covered custard pot or a bittersweet chocolate truffle with only a touch of sugar. Indulgent, intense, captivating.
Mouthwatering acidity after I swallow, but with a lovely essence of kuromitsu (Okinawan brown sugar) syrup lingering. Hints of mamey, hershey’s cocoa, and peach puree. On the other hand, elements of the aroma: Cherry Dr. Pepper, and a sharp dry minerality, keep it firmly upright. Absolutely gorgeous and indulgent, while also being thoroughly dry, and thoroughly drinkable.
At 19% ABV it holds its power very well, but it's not for the faint of heart either!
Chochin Shuzo, 長珍酒造株式会社
Est. 1868
Location: Tsushima, Aichi prefecture
Rice: Awa Yamadanishiki (Tokushima)
Polish: 65%
Yeast: #9
SMV: +11
Acidity: 2.0
ABV: 19%
In terms of brewing, the main focus was on aggressive flavors, with emphasis on astringency and power. Starting in R2BY, the flavor has been made a little gentler, with a bitter and refreshing taste that makes it easy to drink even when it is new. As for aging, it is still brewed to withstand long-term aging. The brewery is entirely made of wood, with some older buildings dating back to the Edo period. I've heard that the name of the sake was chosen with the hope that it would be a sake that would be loved (and prized) for many years to come.
There’s a simultaneous playfulness and dramatic energy about this sake. As Molly says, “Like a middle school girl’s sleepover.” I felt, like Baryshnikov. A bowl of buttery-sweet castelvetrano olives marinated in orange zest and fennel seed was a revelation, but yakitori is always a classic with Chochin. Plummy, hoisin-laden duck (or seiten) crepes bring out the fruit and five spice notes. If heating, let the sake rest a
few days in the fridge, and add a splash of water to mellow.
