Type
Masuda Tokubee Shoten · Kyoto
Tsuki no Katsura Junmai "Iwai 88"
$31.00
No sales tax — Oregon
Rice
Iwai (Kyoto, organically farmed)
Prefecture
Kyoto
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: a bit of fleshy sweetness. Fruit notes taste more round and juicy, chocolate notes have more heft. Typical sweetness for modern styles. Some people will read "3" 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.
SoftAcidicAbove-average acidity, an important part of this sake's character, but nowhere near sour/tart. Lift, refreshing. When paired with higher sweetness, it creates a juicy, ripe impression.
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.
Pairs with
The brewery recommends playing Iwai 88's deep savoriness off dashi based dishes, nimono (think root veggies simmered in sake, mirin and soy sauce), and grilled fish and meat.
Masuda Tokubee contracts directly with Fushimi based farmers for the Iwai rice used in this sake. They've chosen to only minimally polish the rice down to 88%, to preserve the distinct umami and sweetness Iwai has to offer. This sake is made with the tomizu method, meaning 10 parts water to rice instead of the modern recipe of 12 parts, resulting in a dense, full bodied brew that highlights Iwai's equally full character. Iwai 88 is the updated take on Tsuki no Katsura's Iwai Junmai, which boasted slightly more polish (80%), and a crisp astringency. This new take feels more modern- bolder in its expression of sweet and savory.
As we transition out of Summer, waking up to cooler mornings, but still getting occasionally blasted with 90°F heat, Iwai 88 is reminding me of all there is to look forward to in Fall. I get notes of maduros (fried sweet plantains), Tahitian vanilla, Portuguese egg tarts, and short bread. Gently warmed, the dim sum dessert cart vibes give way to a gentle, dashi-like umami. A food sake, if I ever met one. I look forward to bringing it out for this year's nabes and odens. -Molly
Your case:
$30 flat-rate case shipping (up to 12 bottles) — the more you add, the less per bottle. Per federal requirements, an adult (21+) with photo ID must be present to receive the delivery.
Sake Club members: $20 shipping (up to 12 bottles) with your club bottles About the clubs
Specifications
Region: Kansai
Type: Junmai
Rice: Iwai (Kyoto, organically farmed)
Rice-Polishing Ratio: 88%
ABV: 16%
SMV: +5
Acidity: 1.7
Yeast: Kyo no Hana Kobo
Size: 720ml
Shipping
Available nationwide to states and counties that permit alcohol. No sales tax (Oregon). Flat-rate case shipping; in-store pickup available.
Pick up in person
Shop open Tu–Sun. Order online and pick up at the shop — 107 SE Washington St. #121, Portland, Oregon.
