Hardly needs introduction... Born is a cult junmai daiginjo sake, often sold out, difficult to source, and this is the seasonal 3U (undiluted, unfined, unpasteurized) version of the famous junmai daiginjo: held back one year to mature at -10C for added length, complexity, and silky texture! That's a mouthful :)
This sake is dense, concentrated, rich and incredibly full flavored with aromatic fruit notes that stop short of cloying. Wildflower honey, cantaloupe, rose, ultra-ripe persimmon, white chocolate, bubblegum and banana candy.... The palate segues to a deep umami that makes this junmai daiginjo uniquely suited to pairing with bigger, fattier dishes: dressed avocado, cream sauce (on anything), pizza bianca, garlic & olive oil shrimp, insalata rusa, almost-overripe camembert...
Whatever you choose, don't fail to overindulge. That's what Born was born for: total indulgence!
Stats:
- Brewery: Kato Kichibee Shoten
- Location: Fukui
- Style: Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Nama Genshu (<50% polish, unfined, unpasteurized, undiluted)
- Rice: Yamadanishiki
- Polish: 45%
- KATO9, a proprietary strain of 901
- Fermentation starter: sokujo
- SMV: +4
- Aging: 1 year at -10C
- ABV: 17%
- Recommended serving temperature: refrigerator cold to lightly chilled
Brewery:
Originally operating as a money exchange business and very deeply involved in the affairs of the community, in 1860 the village headman and founder became involved in sake brewing. For eleven generations, they have carried the Kichibee name, and in 1866 registered the name as a trademark. In Sanskrit, "Born" is translated roughly as purity/striking truth, and represents the brewery's strong belief in second changes and karmic rewards for hard work. In the beginning of the Showa era, the emperor used Born sake for Japan's ceremonies, festivals, and guests as Japan's representative brand.