This is the Dewazakura Oka: Dewazakura being the name for this historic Yamagata brewery, Oka being a term for cherry blossom.
Aptly named, Oka is an overflowing basket of spring blossom aromas. Unmistakably floral, robust, filling a room with its scent, yet not "perfumey," not potpourri. Notes of rose water, cherry blossom, honeysuckle, violet, on a fairly dry backdrop of peach, strawberry and melon. A pop of acidity gives Oka a really nice mouthwatering quality on the palate.
Pairing:
Enjoy with Spring cuisine such as light spring vegetables, asparagus risotto, room temperature bento, tea sandwiches, first of the season strawberries and any Japanese dish with ume.
Stats:
- Prefecture: Yamagata
- Grade: Ginjo (aruten)
- Rice: Dewasansan, Haenuki (local)
- Polishing: 50%
- Yeast: Ohgawa (No. 10 lineage)
- Storage: cool (up to 65F) and dark, enjoy within 1 year
- Service: chilled in a wine glass, edo kiriko, smooth porcelain
Background:
This sake also carries an incredible history, single-handedly changing the course of sake trends and bringing about the "ginjo boom," which defined the tastes of the 80s-90s. Today, almost all premium sake is inspired by ginjo methods.
If you're looking for a sake that speaks of Spring, the height of Portland's most endearing season, utterly laden with pink and red, choose Oka. It belongs on every picnic blanket and in every glass.