Summer Sake – A Few More Summer & Limited Releases & Dassai Yuzu

Ohmine 3 Grain "Dewasansan"
From Yamaguchi Prefecture. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this great looking bottle of sake is a cool collection of cantaloupe, SweeTart, nougat, cream puff, parsley, orange, cucumber, and mochi aromas. This Ohmine uses another excellent Yamagata rice varietal called Dewasansan, which glides through the palate with that little Ohmine tingle and gentle spritz. Medium-bodied, wine-like, clean, smooth, silky, bright, and an off-dry finish, this version of Dewasansan is lightly pasteurized instead of the dark bottle Nama (unpasteurized) that we were first introduced to. And guess what? We like it better. Look for pineapple, green apple, pear, melon, Marshmallow Fluff, rock sugar, and lemon flavors that make this one of the least sweet and brightest Ohmine yet! Welcome to the Sake Hood Dewasansan. You are a different version of Ohmine that is totally worth a visit! WORD: Bright WINE: Zesty Reds/Bright Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters with lemon, Yakitori, grilled white fish, cheese plates, salumi plates, picnic foods, salads, and bright pastas.

Shishi no Sato Sake Mirai "Wishing For A Bright Future"
From Ishikawa Prefecture. Origarami Junmai Ginjo Nama. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this very special Nama (unpasteurized) sake is an exotic collection of milk bread, white strawberry, pandan, coconut, vanilla, lemon muffin, Asian pear, camembert, and grassy aromas that jump out of a white wine glass. Made using one of the legendary and most sought-after rice varieties called "Sake Mirai" milled to 55% this Origami (hazy) sake has extra texture and a gentle sweetness that drinks bright, spritzy, fizzy, medium-bodies, creamy and with a subtle effervescence, which means it's living and breathing in your glass like freshly released vat sake. Look for pear, melon, pineapple, cacao nibs, lemon, watermelon rind, cucumber, cookie dough, Calpico, and steamed rice flavors that dance in the misty brew. This is our second season enjoying this very limited-released special sake. WORD: Bright WINE: Edgy Reds/Crisp Whites BEER: Creamy Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, lightly grilled white fish, summer salads, poached chicken and fish, seafood mousse, chicken salad, fluke in ponzu, cheese plates, and vinegar-based fish and veggies.  

Akabu "Sea"
From Iwate Prefecture. Genshu. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this "new bold exploration" summer sake from the world-famous Akabu brewery is a supreme collection of green apple, Pomelo, lychee candy, lime, peach, cucumber, melon, and young mango aromas. Can you see the Sea in this new style of sake? In a word, Akabu wanted to create their own version of summer sake that is crisp, vibrant, and with a gentle effervescence that stands up to the Akabu style and feeling! Smooth AND bright? How do they do that? Basically, it's an acidity play that will lean into wine-like sake that has a very low ABV of 13% and is a "Genshu" which means no water dilution. Cool! Yes, and look for peach, green apple, nectarine, Fresca, lime water, grapefruit, orange creamsicle, with a touch of cucumber and lemonade flavors on a fluid that is tangy, zesty, and lively. If you like Akabu then this is your drier, crisper, and more refreshing summer version. WORD: Refreshing WINE: Zesty Reds/Fresh Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, white fish in ponzu, oysters with lemon, grilled chicken and fish, summer light pastas, citrus fruit salads, cheese boards, Champagne fare, and fish in lemon butter.

Dassai Blue "Yuzu"
From New York. Junmai Daiginjo. SMV: N/A Acidity: N/A
The nose on this new and very popular Yuzu "Citrus" sake is a wonderful collection of lemon pie, lime, rock sugar, lemon candy, lemongrass, and hints of peach aromas. We all know Dassai only makes Daiginjo premium grade sake! We all know that Dassai is brewed in Yamaguchi, Japan and New York! But we all didn't know that this incredible brewery has made Yuzu sake here with Yuzu from Japan. Smooth, rich, silky, round, soft, and off-sweet elegance. This beautifully packaged sake is built for those with a sweet tooth and love for citrus cocktails of note. At only 11% ABV it is superb in a wine glass by itself but also has the depth and body that also invites a little added boost of the mixed-drinks capacity. Look for yuzu jelly, lemon peel, candied lemon, powdered sugar, lemonade, and grilled yuzu flavors that rise above a very gentle umami whisper. The "gateway" sake brewery has produced  "gateway" Yuzushu of note. WORD: Lemony WINE: Dessert wines BEER: Citrus Ales FOODS: Cocktail fare, cheese and fruit plates, desserts, and mixers.