Type
Kenbishi Shuzo · Hyogo
Kenbishi "Kuromatsu" Honjozo Cup
$13.00
No sales tax — Oregon
Rice
Yamadanishiki (Toku A), Aiyama
Prefecture
Hyogo
Flavor profileEach scale is our tasting-room read on where this bottle sits between two extremes — dry to sweet, light to full-bodied, soft to acidic, and subtle to aromatic. These are subjective, however, and will shift with food, serveware & temp.
DrySweetBalanced dry: reads as dry, with a little bit of softness, or maybe a fruit/brown sugar note that tempers the impression of dryness. Most people will read "2" as dry.
LightFullMedium: a bit of richness or creaminess, heft, more flavor intensity, more presence, sometimes higher alcohol or sweetness. A lot of namazake sits here.
SoftAcidicSoft: the most common degree of acidity for sake. A little bit of acidity to give it structure and keep the flavor refreshing, but acidity isn't an important part of its identity.
SubtleAromaticSubtle aroma: if you stick your nose in, you'll get a few quiet notes of fruit, grains, nuts & rice. Aroma isn't a big part of this sake's character. An aromatically quiet sake can still have a powerful flavor, though.
Nutty, ricey, toasty, savory goodness. One of the best honjozo on the market.
The younger brother of "Mizuho", aged 1-3 years and made from a mysterious, proprietary blend of rice, techniques, and historic methods. "A stopped clock tells the right time twice a day" is one of the mantras of Kenbishi-- they firmly stick to their historic recipe (with very rare changes, such as reverting to wooden fermenters about a decade ago)-- never chasing trends or brand new techniques. By remaining committed to their old methods, Kenbishi maintains a loyal following of fans...myself included.
Kuromatsu honjozo 180ml is packaged in a tempered glass cup, perfect for heating in hot water. Just prepare a small pot of hot water, submerge the container, and after a minute or so pull it out. Like Kenbishi Junmai Mizuho, gently warmed is my preferred temp.
Ground shipping is $25 to $40, free at 12 bottles.
Free pickup at our Portland shop. An adult (21+) with photo ID must be present for delivery.
Specifications
Region: Kansai
Type: Honjozo & Futsushu
Style: Yamahai, Koshu: Aged
Rice: Yamadanishiki (Toku A), Aiyama
Rice-Polishing Ratio: Blend. 70% minimum
ABV: 17%
Starter: Yamahai
SMV: +1.5
Acidity: 1.7
Yeast: Proprietary
Size: 180ml
Shipping
Ships to most states, not Alaska, Hawaii or Utah. No sales tax (Oregon). Free Ground shipping at 12 bottles. Pickup at our Portland shop is free.
Pick up in person
Shop open Tu–Sun. Order online and pick up at the shop — 107 SE Washington St. #121, Portland, Oregon.
