Tenmei "Bear" Junmai Cup

Tenmei "Bear" Junmai Cup

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Tenmei: killing it. Always! They make such good sake.

This fresh cup from Fukushima has the tiniest bit of sparkle: a mark of freshness, like sake right from the tap. The flavor is bright and zippy, with notes of fresh banana, cherry-vanilla soda, rice milk, Fuji apple, and a lovely, umami-rich viscosity. I'm describing sweet things, but it isn't sweet! It's just chock-full of fun, fresh flavor.

Brewery: Akebono Shuzo
Prefecture: Fukushima (Aizu mountains area)
Rice: Yamadanishiki
Polish: 65%
Yeast: Utsukushima Yume Kobo, #701, House 
SMV: +2
Starter: Sokujo
Accolades: US National Sake Appraisal 2019 Gold Award (Junmai Category)

This humble brewery is located in the valley of Aizubange, a gem blessed with cold winters and clean rivers in the northern portion of the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture. The valley's rice cultivation is the crux of their economy, and in order to reflect the interesting terrior of Aibugante, Akebono Shuzo uses 100% local sake rice. Thanks to this, as well as their dedication to small details and brewery clensliness (all equipment is hand cleaned and dried at high temperatures - any cloth used in the machines is boiled) their sake has a very pure flavor and is highly suitable to enjoy alongside a meal.

Engage as suggested by the 22 bears on the label. Inner tube? Bowtie? Dance party? Contemplative and warm? With chips? In skimpy swimwear? Why not! All of the above!

With the fruit-driven flavors and fresh texture, my thoughts go to spicy-sweet: mapo tofu, glazed pork, BBQ, tteokbokki,  anything  Cantonese, just about anything Southern. This would go great chilled or gently warmed with my neighbor OP's ham-apple-frisee lunchtime classic sandwich, "The Randy."

Enjoy it cold for an extra refreshing character, or a bit warmer to enhance the umami for more savory food.