Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Namazake Genshu (2025)
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Brash, yeasty, biscuity nose; fresh, grapefruity flavors; sharp and clean finish. I find this nama characteristically Shichi Hon Yari: herbal at first, with notes of juniper, dried spearmint, hops, early season...not quite sweet yellow melon, and of course minerality. Limestone-inflected spring water on ice. A fullness in the mid palate brings out the umami; like kombu dashi or sea lettuce, it's briny and cleansing.
For a detailed writeup on this brewery and sake, see our monthly club writeup for March 2024: The Great Old Ones!
Tomita Shuzo, 富田酒造
Nagahama, Shiga
Grade: Junmai Ginjo
Rice: Tamazakae & Ginfubuki
Polish: 60%
Yeast: Association #1401
SMV: -4.0
Pressing: Fune
Founded in 1534, the Tomita Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Japan and is now managed by the 15th generation of the family, Yasunobu Tomita, who is also the brewmaster. The Tomitas named their sake Shichi Hon Yari, or “Seven Spearsmen,” after the leaders of the historic Battle of Shizugatake which was fought just outside their town of Kinomoto.
This nama is fantastic with the flavors of Spring: fresh watercress salad with goat cheese, Spring vegetable pistou, sauteed pea shoots, the toji’s favorite, prosciutto or jamon, or the local Shiga specialty and historic ancestor to sushi: rice-stuffed, sour-fermented freshwater fish…