{"title":"Chris","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMy name is Chris and I've been in the sake industry since 2015. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eI've been to Japan a handful of times, and was able to visit various breweries and tasting rooms, as well as attend my first ever Sake no Jin in Niigata.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2018, I became a\u003cstrong\u003e Sake Adviser\u003c\/strong\u003e certified by the Sake School of America (via the Sake Service Institute in Japan). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn April 2021, I earned my \u003cstrong\u003eSake Scholar\u003c\/strong\u003e certification under the guidance of Sake Samurai, Michael Tremblay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn November 2021, I earned my \u003cstrong\u003eLevel 3 Award in Sake\u003c\/strong\u003e from the Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Education Trust taught by Jesse Pugach and KJ Rizzo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2022, I earned my \u003cstrong\u003eCertified Sake Professional\u003c\/strong\u003e certification with the world’s leading non-Japanese sake expert, Sake Samurai, and Sake Evangelist, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sake-world.com\/about-john\/\"\u003eJohn Gauntner\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/DSC_1722_480x480.jpg?v=1650043447\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNishida Denshu. Photo by our Spring intern, Ayumi chan!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome quick picks from me. This is the order I would drink them in, if you were to buy the whole flight. New picks with asterisks (updated 2\/12\/2026):\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/bijofu-junmai-daiginjo-yumebakari-dreamweaver\" style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Bijofu Junmai Daiginjo Yumebakari \"Dreamweaver\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - Often times I get the request for, \u003cem\u003e\"A dry, crisp and clean sake for sushi.\"\u003c\/em\u003e Look no further than Bijofu's take on the super elegant Junmai Daiginjo. Easily one of my favorite Junmai Daiginjo at True Sake. For those that want a pristine finish, or for those that are usually Kubota Manju fans, you might want to give Kochi Prefecture's Bijofu a shot. Of course, Kubota and Suigei and Tsukasabotan are the dry staples in the shop. But mix it up a little. I would love to visit Hamakawa Shoten someday. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/tenbu-junmai-ginjo\" style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Tenbu Junmai Ginjo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - It is no secret that I adore this sake. One of the best cost performance コスパ budget bangers in the store. Affordable doesn't necessarily mean that the sake will taste \"cheap.\" Not to get too inside baseball, but since the exporter\/importer JFC is headquartered here in the San Francisco Bay Area, this means we can pass the savings on to you, the loyal True Sake customer. Nishi Shuzo from Kagoshima Prefecture has always been my unofficial \"Sake Rookie of the Year in 2020.\" I've always liked their imo shochu products, but then I heard the lore of Nishi Shuzo being friends with the world famous Takagi Shuzo, and making something similar to what is now being called the \"modern style\" or the \"reiwa style.\" I always tell customers that are looking for Juyondai to try Tenbu, as it's more affordable and arguably just as delicious. This Junmai Ginjo is also milled to 50%, so you know what that means. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/keigetsu-junmai-daiginjo-cel-24\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Keigetsu Junmai Daiginjo \"Cel 24\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/keigetsu-junmai-daiginjo-cel-24\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - Another great \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eコスパ sake, but this time it's from Kochi Prefecture. The world infamous Cel 24 yeast is back at it, but this time from a \"newcomer\" in America, Tosa Brewing Co. These guys have been making sake since 1877, but are quickly making their mark here in the United States. It's quite shocking to see a $30 USD sake made with Cel 24. Snag this now before the secret is out. Why is Cel 24 so infamous? Well generally speaking, you will get that trademark fruit bomb on the nose, and a very easy-drinking fruity sake on the palate. Some of the brewers in Kochi (not all) that work with yeast, are kind of tired of working with this yeast. But hey, it has really sparked intrigue in the sake scene worldwide, especially with new drinkers. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/fukugao-toku-a-yamadanishiki-junmai-ginjo-echigo-heiya\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFukugao Toku A Yamadanishiki Junmai Ginjo \"Echigo Heiya\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - I was fortunate enough to visit Fukugao Shuzo in Niigata Prefecture back in January of 2023. Kobayashi-san greeted me with open arms and showcased her entire portfolio to me, and this Toku A Yamadanishiki Junmai Ginjo was the star of the show. Super silky smooth, with layered flavors such as cocoa nib, dark chocolate, and honey. Not your typical Tanrei Karakuchi style, but still delicious! Please enjoy! From Niigata Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/tsuzumi-junmai\" style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Onda 88 Junmai\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - One of the first sake breweries I ever got to visit was Onda Shuzo in Niigata Prefecture. Very small brewery with equally small production output, these guys are the real deal. This sake uses Ippon Jime table rice milled to, you guessed it, 88 percent. I've heard that only two breweries in Niigata use this rice, as it can be finicky to work with. Onda 88 Junmai is quite earthy and robust with a boatload of umami. A very savory style which is best room temp or warm. Definitely drink this in the winter season. For those that want to explore and expand their sake minds, this sake is worth trying. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/shinkame-20-year-aged-junmai-mahoto\" style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e*Shinkame 20 Year Aged Junmai \"Mahoto\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/products\/emishiki-kijoshu-monsoon\" style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - From the legendary Shinkame Shuzo in Saitama Prefecture. My jaw dropped when I saw \"Mahoto\" on the sell sheet. I was flabbergasted. What the heck is this? A 20 Year Aged Shinkame? Sign me up, sight unseen. This is truly a work of art, as you will be baffled as to how this has been aged for 20 years. The color is beautiful golden color, and the flavors sooth the soul. A perfect digestif after a big meal. I love love love this bottle. One of those \"if you know you know\" type situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith all that being said, the best way to learn about sake is to drink more sake, pay attention, take notes, and remember what you like and don't like. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThere's A LOT of misinformation out there on the internet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (how ironic, since you're reading my list on the internet), but it's up to you to do your due diligence, and fine tune your sake preferences that align with your taste buds. Cheers! -Chris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/IMG_2405_480x480.jpg?v=1616732512\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn ad at Niigata's \u003cstrong\u003eEchigo-Yuzawa Station\u003c\/strong\u003e featuring Reruhi-San, who looks like Theodor Von Lerch, an Austro-Hungarian general who introduced skiing to Japan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/58ef8a53-4918-4cd6-80f6-9b5d38860b11_480x480.jpg?v=1617980175\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eMoerenuma Park\u003c\/b\u003e (\u003cspan lang=\"ja\" title=\"Japanese-language text\"\u003eモエレ沼公園) Sapporo, Hokkaido\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"ja\" title=\"Japanese-language text\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/9b55349e-219f-4070-a157-a24a2da30b3f_2_480x480.jpg?v=1617980070\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003eNiseko Shuzo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Hokkaido, where the President insisted on this photo op, even though I just wanted to be a customer. My friend spilled the beans that I worked in the sake industry, which in hindsight, created this fun, awkward moment.\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tsuzumi-junmai","title":"Onda 88 Junmai","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe nose on this hefty brew is a wild collection of leather, earthy, nutty, creamy, and musky aromas. Made with a rice varietal called Ippon-Jime milled to 88% get ready for a full-bodied and bold sake. Rich, fat, chewy, and solid this brew packs a punch of flavor. Look for roasted rice, nutty, caramel apple, butterscotch, flan, and rice custard flavors on a bold and thick fluid. Basically this sake tastes like a rice field with lots of umami layers and a hint of meatiness. A salty and savory sake this is like a cup of soup in a glass. Huge and fun at three different temperatures. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eWORD:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Huge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eWINE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Complex reds\/Chewy Whites \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eBEER:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Stouts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eFOODS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Rich pastas, meats, game, grilled salty and savory fare. \u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"HOSODA","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":5585984772,"sku":"JH112-02","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/products\/JH112-02_Onda88Junmai_720ml_1365x2048_WM.jpg?v=1604376875"},{"product_id":"tenbu-junmai-ginjo","title":"Tenbu Junmai Ginjo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe nose on this sake made in a prefecture that is known for shochu is a very cool collection of melon, stone fruit, pineapple, tangerine, black licorice, and vanilla aromas. Spritzy, lively, bright, tingly, zesty, crisp, and refreshing, this brew is extremely talkative in the glass. Look for apple, Asian pear, honeydew, watermelon, papaya, and herbal flavors, with a minty and umami filled finish. What makes this \u003cem\u003eJunmai Ginjo\u003c\/em\u003e really cool is that you can taste the brewing technique that this brewery uses with lots of flavors upfront, a supremely quick finish, and an overall lightness and brightness that makes this sake drink so well. As the fluid warms in the glass, more peach and citrus flavors emerge with a touch of earth tones on the finish. Pretty damn cool sake that uses local brewing rice milled to 50%, which makes this a \u003cem\u003eDaiginjo\u003c\/em\u003e for the price of a \u003cem\u003eGinjo\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWORD:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Refreshing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Light Reds\/Expressive Whites \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBEER:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Fruity Ales \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFOODS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Sushi, sashimi, shellfish, oysters, grilled chicken and fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JFC","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":42124367233267,"sku":"JG169-02","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/products\/JG169-02_TenbuJunmaiGinjo_720ml_1365x2048_WM.jpg?v=1641268153"},{"product_id":"tenbu-junmai-ginjo-1-8l","title":"Tenbu Junmai Ginjo 1.8L","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 1.8L bottles are for Store Pick Up. If this item is in your cart, you’ll only see the local pick up option—shipping will not be available.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe nose on this sake made in a prefecture that is known for shochu is a very cool collection of melon, stone fruit, pineapple, tangerine, black licorice, and vanilla aromas. Spritzy, lively, bright, tingly, zesty, crisp, and refreshing this brew is extremely talkative in the glass. Look for apple, Asian pear, honeydew, watermelon, papaya, and herbal flavors with a minty and umami filled finish. What makes this Junmai Ginjo really cool is that you can taste the brewing technique that this brewery uses with lots of flavors upfront, a supremely quick finish, and an overall lightness and brightness that makes this sake drink so well. As the fluid warms in the glass more peach and citrus flavors emerge with a touch of earth tones on the finish. Pretty damn cool sake that uses local brewing rice milled to 50%, which makes this a Daiginjo for the price of a Ginjo. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWORD:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Refreshing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Light Reds\/Expressive whites \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBEER:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fruity Ales \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFOODS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sushi, sashimi, shellfish, oysters, grilled chicken and fish. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"JFC","offers":[{"title":"1.8L","offer_id":42552991187187,"sku":"JG169-01","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/JG169-01_TenbuJunmaiGinjo_1.8L_WM.png?v=1744922128"},{"product_id":"keigetsu-junmai-daiginjo-cel-24","title":"Keigetsu 50 Junmai Daiginjo \"CEL-24\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003eThe nose on this educational brew is an amazing collection of green \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eapple, honeydew, pear, white grape, cotton candy, peach, and mint aromas. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis really is the epitome of “Ginjo-Ka,” which is the very fragrant term \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003efor aromatic sake. Why educational? Well, it’s a very good \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003erepresentation sake of the brewing yeast called CEL-24 that was \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ediscovered in a prefecture that was known for making dry quaffable sake. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSo yes, this yeast actually makes semi-sweet sake that is loaded with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003eapple, melon, finger lime, ripe pear, plum, cotton candy, rock sugar, and lemon flavors that dance on a clean, crisp, silky, bright, tingly, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand juicy flow. Medium-bodied with a dash of astringency \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(shibumi), not only is this prototypical \"Ginjo-Ka\", this also happens to be \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean excellent representative of the Junmai Daiginjo category. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eWORD\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: CEL-24 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eWINE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fruity \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReds\/Crisp Whites \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eBEER:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Clean Ales \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eFOODS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sushi, sashimi, cheese and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003efruit plates, light fare, shellfish, grilled chicken and fish, gentle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epastas, citrus based dishes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NA SALES","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":43958055600371,"sku":"DG265-02","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/DG265-02_KeigetsuJunmaiDaiginjo50CEL-24_720ml_WM.png?v=1698879733"},{"product_id":"bijofu-junmai-daiginjo-yumebakari-dreamweaver","title":"Bijofu Junmai Daiginjo Yumebakari \"Dreamweaver\"","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe nose on this high-end Kochi-style \u003cem\u003eDaiginjo\u003c\/em\u003e is a fresh collection of cherry, papaya, mango, cantaloupe, persimmon, simple syrup, and condensed milk aromas. Say hello to the newest of new school premium sake that has many wine-like characteristics including tannin-like dryness and an effervescent-like liveliness. Light, balanced, bright, uplifting, and refreshing, this brew dances through the palate with elegance and confidence. Talk about a well-built sake. There is a crisp and refreshing water-like play that really opens up as the fluid warms. Look for Asian pear, green apple, grapefruit, cantaloupe, lime, and a touch of herbal notes, with a quick and dry mineral finish. There is a nice acidity play that flows with a touch of shibumi (astringency) that talks to wine drinkers, but this is rice and water at its best. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWORD:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Elegant \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWINE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Edgy Reds\/Crisp Whites \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBEER: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCrisp Ales \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFOOD:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Sushi, sashimi, clean wine fare, oysters, shellfish, grilled chicken and white fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"SKURNIK","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":44011313037555,"sku":"DG268-02","price":106.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/DG268-02_BijofuJunmaiDaiginjoYumebakariDreamweaver_720ml_WM.png?v=1699670452"},{"product_id":"shinkame-20-year-aged-junmai-mahoto","title":"Shinkame 20 Year Aged Junmai \"Mahoto\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe nose on this incredible 20 year aged sake is a killer collection of walnut, lemon rind, button-mushroom, black pepper, dark chocolate, miso, butterscotch, dashi, fig, raisin, soy sauce, and moss. We love Shinkame and this masterclass in sake making started over 20 years ago tank aging then bottled upon request. Meaning they kept tasting it and then released it when it was perfect. Made with Gohyakumangoku milled to 60% the brewers were looking for smooth and rich flavors that drink round, slippery, clean, buoyant, puffy, water-like, and very elegant with a dry umami finish. This “Koshu” is not a big dark brew, rather it is tinged with a little color, which means it was cold aged.  There is a tannin-like dryness that appeals to wine drinkers and if you are a fan of umami, then this sake should be in your white wine glass. Look for dark chocolate, butter-rice, barley, konbu, shiitake, cocoa, nutmeg, Smores, sea salt, plum, dried meats, and fig flavors that move with complexity across the palate. What a sake drinking experience. Gift it to the sake fan in your family. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWORD:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Perfection \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINE: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep Reds\/Complex Whites \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBEER:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Belgian Ales \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFOODS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sushi, sashimi, complex pastas, steak, chops, Yakitori, turkey, game, smoked meats, stews, mushroom fare, umami and rich cuisines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HOSODA","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":46535275970803,"sku":"UN83-02","price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/UN83-02_Shinkame20YearAgedJunmaiMahoto_720ml_WM.png?v=1736458640"},{"product_id":"fukugao-toku-a-yamadanishiki-junmai-ginjo-echigo-heiya","title":"Fukugao Toku A Yamadanishiki Junmai Ginjo \"Echigo Heiya\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe nose on this professional Junmai Ginjo is a rich collection of hay, cashew, soil, vanilla, tapioca, oatmeal, barley, date, raisin, dried pineapple, and steamed rice aromas. This is an amazing lesson in sake in one bottle! Most Junmai Ginjo sakes today are fruit bombs with super Ginjo-ka (fruity) aromas that drink like bright white wines. Say hello to a throwback Ginjo that drinks on the rich and savory side and is actually an umami bomb. Smooth, round, fluffy, velvety, creamy, juicy, and with a very long finish, this brew is balanced and very rich. Look for cocoa nib, buttermilk, powdered sugar, butter, cream, lemon cake, honey, peanut butter, dark chocolate, Whoppers\u003cspan\u003e™,\u003c\/span\u003e and washed-rind cheese flavors that flow with a plump viscosity across the palate. Super classic savory sake that does well chilled, room temp, and lightly warmed. \u003cb\u003eWORD:\u003c\/b\u003e Rich \u003cb\u003eWINE:\u003c\/b\u003e Pinot Noir\/White Burgundy \u003cb\u003eBEER:\u003c\/b\u003e Creamy Ales \u003cb\u003eFOODS:\u003c\/b\u003e Izakaya fare, yakitori, rich pastas, red meat sashimi, street and food truck fare, comfort foods, fried and savory fare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead about Chris's visit to Fukugao Shuzo in Niigata \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/blogs\/february-2023\/chris-roams-niigata-day-2\"\u003ehere!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NA SALES","offers":[{"title":"720ml","offer_id":46935699980531,"sku":"JG230-02","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/files\/JG230-02_FukugaoJunmaiGinjoEchigoHeiya_720ml_WM.png?v=1745531336"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/7601\/collections\/Chris.jpg?v=1670097661","url":"https:\/\/www.truesake.live\/collections\/chris.oembed","provider":"True Sake","version":"1.0","type":"link"}