In spite of the passing away of the nationally famous sake masterbrewer, Mr Hase, his apprentices have taken up the job of continuing producing brews in the greatest Noto tradition (Noto peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture) at Doi Brewery in Kakaegawa City and helped maintain the highest rank for the pleasure of all.

Kaiun Sakura Hana is a regular feature put out just before the cherry blossom season for which the magnificent Doi Brewery is celebrated for.

There are very few indications as to how the sake is made, but it is a Junmai Ginjo.

Doi Brewery: Kaiun Sakura No Hana

Rice milled down to 50%
Alcohol:15~16 degrees
Bottles in March 2010

Clarity: very clear

Colour: Faint golden hue

Aroma: Fruity and flowery: banana, pineapple, peaches. Strong and extremely pleasant

Body: smooth and solid

Taste: Dryish attack, junmai tingle, shortish tail.
Fruity and complex.
Bananas, dry almonds, later backed up by coffee beans and bitter chocolate and peaches.
Very soft at the back of the mouth.
Holds its own well with food with a drier note.

Overall: A beautiful, very flowery sake to be enjoyed on its own, although it goes well with any food. Best appreciated at room temperature, although many will like it slightly chilled. Feminine in aroma, but more direct in taste!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES:
-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
Warren Bobrow
Tokyo Terrace