Heavensake Junmai Label 12 “Konishi”

Description

This private label sake made by the ancient Konishi Sake Brewery has a very gentle nose of hay, butterscotch, nougat, and steamed rice. The methodology of this sake is to be a super drinkable Junmai that pairs very well with foods. The mission was a success! First, the lower alcohol content of 12% (instead of the typical 15-16%) makes this brew gentle. Smooth, light, and compact, it drinks more full because of the Nihonbare rice varietal and the elevated acidity, which speaks to tannin lovers who enjoy a little astringent complexity in their glass. This alsospeaks to red wine drinkers who enjoy subtle yet complex flavors such as persimmon, apricot, chicory, dark chocolate, and caramel licks. There is a tickle of bitterness in the finish that speaks to the craft coffee crew, and far more ricey expressions come out as the fluid warms in the glass. A mid-sized glass makes for more flavor bumps, but a wine glass captures the smoothness and drying finish better. WORD: Ricey WINE: Tannin Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Light Ales FOODS: Meats, game, fowl, and fish. Complex pastas and crisp veggies.