Ohmine 3 Grain Mermaid "Summer's Arrival"
The nose on this seasonally released summer sake is a very fun collection of Asian pear, spring water, honeydew melon, cucumber, blue Icee, and steamed rice aromas. Fresh, fresh, and more fresh — this summer brew from the wildly popular Ohmine Shuzo is all things sunny and poolside. Light, fresh, smooth, supple, delicate, off-sweet, astringent (shibumi), and very bright, this sake with a very low ABV of 13% has a quick finish and a shimmering, refreshing personality. And look at that bottle! Yes, people do collect that bottle. Inside, look for lemon cake, green apple, lemon-lime, Asian pear, sake kasu, celery, and blue raspberry Icee flavors that roll through the palate in a gentle flow. Drink very chilled out of a white wine glass. WORD: Refreshing WINE: Light Reds/Clean Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, poolside fare, picnic fare, cheese and fruit plates, cold chicken salads, tofu dishes, ponzu fare, and caviar.
From the importer Sake Suki:
Summer limited sake.
The impression of the aroma is gentle, but there is a refreshing quality reminiscent of apples and grapefruits. It has a light, refreshing acidity with structure. There is a transparent sweet and sourness reminiscent of muscat and Chardonnay, and from the middle onwards, you can feel the fresh richness and bitterness of the fruit. Ohmine produces this sake only once a year (limited availability).
Recommended temperature: Chilled in a wine glass
Recommended pairing: Snapper carpaccio, oysters, white fish poiret
Grade: Junmai Daiginjo, 50% rice polish ratio
Alcohol: 13% Rice : Yamadanishiki