Kisoji Junmai Yamahai Hiyaoroshi
A tangy, lightly effervescent mix of persimmon, ripe bosc pear, golden syrup, dried nectarine and mascarpone from this husband and wife team, brewing high in the Japan Alps. A classic expression of Fall with a tangy, lactic twist. In fact, the lactic tang makes the sake a bit leaner on the palate than you might imagine for a Yamahai brew.
The label-- always one of my favorites-- is a vision of the clear, starry night sky in Nagano, the "roof of Japan."
Heated to 115, this sake gains some interesting herbal elements, like forest floor and nutty fiddleheads, while the fruit goes from its fresher form to baked apple, raisins, and poached pear. It's quite a bit drier and even salty when I bring it up to 140F. I recommend anywhere from lightly chilled to hot, but the range from lightly chilled to lightly warmed is my favorite.
Specifications
Region: Chubu
Type: Junmai
Style: Yamahai
Rice: Hitogokochi rice (locally grown Nagano variety)
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 70%
ABV: 15%
SMV: -2
Acidity: 1.7
Yeast: #901
Size: 720ml