Junmai Ginjo, Yamada Nishiki 50 “Land of Gods”

Japan Chugoku This brewery created their brand, Izumo Fuji, to celebrate two Japanese symbols, one local, the other nationalthe Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, and Mount Fuji. This junmai ginjo is made from Yamada Nishiki rice, the famous sake rice varietal which is associated with Hyogo prefecture.

 Izumo Fuji, however, used Yamada Nishiki grown in their prefecture, Shimane. In Japan, shrines have specific powers for which visitors pray. Izumo Taisha’s power is “en musubi,” “the tying of bonds.” Visiting the Izumo Taisha is said to bring you positive relationships in romance and in business. Toshi Imaoka, the brewmaster and director of the brewery, makes his sake in the spirit of Izumo Taisha.

He hopes his sake will bring people together to form long bonds, with his sake too! TASTING NOTE On the nose, it shows pineapple, candied sugar, and pear.

On the palate it is juicy, soft and melting. TECHNICAL DATA ACIDITY: 1.7 ABV: 15-16% SEMAIBUAI: 50% NIHONSHUDO: +5 RICE: Yamada Nishiki (from Shimane) YEAST: Proprietary Blend PRESSING: Fune PASTEURIZATION: Once, in bottle YEAST STARTER METHOD: Sokujo