Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo Nigori
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The aroma on Winter Warrior nigori is muted, quiet-- gin, juniper, pine or hops, a light melon sweetness, like the sweetness of early-season melons that aren't quite at their sweetest yet, and a strong line of minerality: spring water, dissolved minerals, steel, forest streams.
For such a quiet aroma, you may not expect the intensity of the palate, which punches forward with lactic power! Tart yogurt, creme fraiche, herbal tea, melon and mint salad, and licorice notes. There's a compelling sort of romaine lettuce bitterness and an astringent mineral-bitter shibumi on the finish.
Shichi Hon Yari is made at Tomita Shuzo, a very, very old brewery (1540!) with a truly unique style. If there's one thing that aligns all Shichi Hon Yari sake, it's a dry, lean, mineral quality-- even so for the nigori, which is very unusual.
Tomita Shuzo, 冨田酒造
Location: Nagahama, Shiga
Rice: Ginfubuki & Tamazakae (both local)
Polish: 60%
Yeast: Association #1401
Pressing: Fune
SMV: -4
ABV: 16.5%
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.
A lean, astringent nigori like this holds up to some pretty bold dishes. Imagine this as the raita alongside a punchy south Indian curry. And on the sweeter side of things, goes great with chocolate cake!