Sohomare Tokubetsu Honjozo Kimoto "Shogun's Choice"

The nose on this traditionally made Kimoto (pole-rammed) Honjozo is a very cool collection of green apple, pie crust, brioche, Asian pear, watermelon, lime, and a hint of cocoa aromas. Who likes drinkable sake? We do, and so do the excellent sake makers at Sohomare, who specially make sake using the Kimoto method to promote lactic acid and create an extra smoothness and elevated acidity in their brews. And in this case it is doubly "special" as "Tokubetsu" literally translates to "special" and this sake uses extra milled rice for cleaner and smoother textures. Dry, neutral, light, gentle, round, soft, water-like, and with a cuttingly dry finish, this brew is supremely "sessionable" — which means drinkable in a big way. Look for green apple water, graham cracker, Asian pear, spring water, celery, toast, milk bread, and slippery umami tones that open up in a white wine glass. Soft, dry, and how cool is that? WORD: Dry WINE: Soft Reds/Gentle Whites BEER: Light Beer FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, yakitori, bar and pub fare, comfort foods, salty and savory fare, cheesesteak, burgers, fried fish, and French fries.