Category Archives: Fujieda City

Shizuoka Prefecture Patisserie: Jour Du Muguet with Toshiyuki Nakanishi in Okabe, Fujieda City!

Toshiyuki and kazumi Nakanishi!

Toshiyuki Nakanishi had a lot of courage when he decided to open his own patisserie quite a few years ago in Okabe, Fujieda City with his wife Kazumi whi hais from the same place.
But it handsomely paid off because of the dearth of good cakes in this seemingly off the beaten tracks village part of Fujieda City.

The patisserie looks like a small shop in the French countryside!

Truth to tell, Toshiyuki had already made his name before moving to his wife’s home village, including a winter stint at Chez Allex, a patisserie which earned no less than two MOF in Chalon sur saone, Bourgogne, France!

“Jour Du Muguet” means “Lily of the Valley day”, a celebrated family festival day back in France!

In fact the choice of Okabe proved to be a weapon in disguise as the shop is located near a main thoroughfare and a regular bus station, and has its own car park, meaning that the locals are very happy to ride, walk, drive there to buy cakes they would have to travel far to find the same quality!

The small kids playplace seen from outside1

Although the shop itself is barely bigger than the kitchen, it is big enough even including a small shelf with toys for kids to play with!
And of course it is spotless clean!
Kazumi lokks after the shop while Toshiyuki keeps busy in kitchen!

Note that the place is closed on Tuesdays and on the 3rd or 4th Monday.
Come early as cakes disappear quickly!

half of the fresh cakes are seasonal although they include permanent features such rolled cakes and succuent petit choux/chou cream (definitely for adults)!

Interestingly enough there quite a few expats with a sweet tooth living in the area and don’t be surprised if you suddenly discover a loud speaking Ozzie there!

Classic macarons!

More cakes!

And more cakes!

For the kids while their mothers are having a hard time choosing their cakes!

Toshiyuki’s cakes are simply put first class but a big bonus comes with his bicuits, pound cakes and what other delicacies, either sold individually,…

or in nice wrappings for presents!

And Toshiyuki has the great merit to advertise and sell local products of great quality and originality!

Every visit is definitely worth the long way (in my case, especially!) and I know so many people, Japanese or expats, who agree!

JOUR DU MUGUET

〒421-1131 Shizuoka Prefecture, Fujieda City, Okabe, Uchigaya, 900-4
Tel: 054-667-5104
Opening hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays and 3rd or 4th Monday
Car Park available
Custom-made cakes orders welcome!

GOOGLE MAP

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

BON APPETIT TOKYO
So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery (Okabe, Fujieda City) Daiginjo!

The other day I had the pleasure to be offered a bottle of rare and expensive sake by Hatsukame Brewery in Okabe, Fujieda City!
Hatsukame Daiginjo!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 45%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Dryness: +5
Amino acids: 1.3
Bottled in March 2019

Clarity: very clear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: discreet, dry, fruity. Faint pineapple, vanilla, melon, traces of nuts.
Tasting: Dry and fruity attack with strong alcohol backup.
pineapple, vanilla.
Lingers longe rthan expected on the palate before disappearing on a drier note.
Very elusive and elegant.
takes on a drier note with food with the appearance of nuts while staying very dry and probably disappearing faster than when drunk on its own.

Comments: extravagant! The more for it that despite its very elevated status beautifully accompanies food, a rarity for daiginjo!
Constantly calls for another sip while staying silky smooth on the tongue and palate.
A dangerous feeling as it can be appreciated at any time away from or with food!
Makes for the perfect aperitif as well as a enticing nightcap!

Recommended pairings: although it should marry well with more foods and dishes than expected , I particularly appreciated it with tomato salad, oysters, cold pasta and steamed fish.

A hint! The drink to enjoy with the perfect companion or on your own away from it all!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-Daiginjo Genshu “Ai”!

haysukame-ai-1

The other day I had the rare pleasure to visit again Hatsukame Brewery in Okabe Cho, Fujieda City in the company of a professional farmer consultant from the USA!
Hatsukame Brewery has a special place in my heart for many reasons: it is the oldest single family-owned Sake brewery In Shizuoka Prefecture for more than 380 years!
Interestingly enough it used to be located in the very center of Sumpu City (the old name of Shizuoka City) before moving to its present location during the Meiji Era!
I must admit a special treatment has always been offered to me and my visiting friends and I dare not reveal what presents and services I have been granted there!

haysukame-ai-3

This Daiginjo Genshu (no water blended in) called “Ai” (“Love”) was brewed before Hatsukame Brewery switched from Noto Master brewer to a young talented one from the Nanbu School in Iwate Prefecture!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 45%
Dryness: +3~+4
Acidity: 1.0 (low by Shizuoka standards)
Alcohol: 17 degrees
Bottled in March 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. Strawberries
Body: fluid, almost sirupy
Tasting: dry, smooth, deep and very fruity attack.
Complex: strawberries, dark cherries.
Lingers for a while before departing on more fruity notes of strawberries.
Very pleasant alcohol all the way through, warming back of the palate.
Turns drier with food with liquorice and mandarines making a late appearance.

Overall: elegant and extravagant sake very much in the tradition of Hatsukame Brewery!
Very smooth in spite of its high alcohol contents.
Continuously entices to the next cup.
At its best on its own slightly chilled, although marries very gracefully with almost any cuisine.
Gentlemen will fight for it, but ladies need not worry about the high alcohol contents!
Makes for the perfect digestif in special company!
Recommended pairings: terrines, dry cured ham, cheese, smoked duck.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Sushi Lunch at Uogashi Nagarezushi in Fujieda City!

UOGASHI-FUJIEDA-2

Service: busy but friendly
Equipment and facilities: Overall very clean. Excellent washroom. Non smoking
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: great choice and fast service

If you are in a bit of a hurry but still are hungry Fujieda Station is a practical place to enjoy some reasonably-priced but still tasty sushi.
Uogashi Nagarezushi is located on the second floor of OLE Building just beside Fujieda Station south exit!

UOGASHI-FUJIEDA-3

It is a fairly big place but seats are sufficiently separated for necessary privacy.
This is a “nagaraezushi”, that is a system where orders are coming to your table via a computer service. Very quick and efficient and the staff will come regularly to collect away your empty plates.

UOGASHI-FUJIEDA-4

Plenty of top-class local sake!

What did we have, then?

UOGASHI-FUJIEDA-5

Whale/kujira/鯨 nigiri!

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A set consisting of horse mackerel/aji/鯵 prepared in four different manners!

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A set of three white-flesh fish/shiromi/白身 in aburi/seared/炙り style!

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A mixed set of twelve diffrenet sushi nigiri!
Gizzard/kohada/小肌, grated tuna/negitoro/ネギトロ, boiled sardine whiting/shirasu/白子, crab salad/kani sarada/蟹サラダ, boiled prawn/yudeebi/茹で海老, Japanese omelet/tamagoyaki/卵焼き, Horse mackerel/aji/鯵, bonito/katsuo/鰹, mackerel/saba/鯖, cuttlefish (squid9/ika/烏賊, seabream/tai/鯛, and tuna red lean part/maguro akami/鮪赤身!

UOGASHI-FUJIEDA-9

Large horse mackere/aji/鯵 in aburi/seared/炙り style!

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And to finish, another set of nigiri in aburi/seared/炙りstyle: horse mackerel/aji/鯵, tuna/maguro/鮪 and cuttlefish tentacles/ika geso/烏賊ゲソ!

All with as much tea and pickled ginger as you want!

Uogashi Nagarezushi/魚がし流れ鮨

Fujieda City, Maejima, 1-3-1, OLE Building (Fujieda JR Station South Exit)
Tel.: 054-634-2880
Opening hours: 10:00~21:00
Credit cards OK
Take-outs OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sugii Brewery-Junmai Bodaimoto

SUGII-BODAI-1

Sugii Brewery in Fujieda City has made itself a name all over the country when it comes to experimentation in the brewing of sake and their latest nectar is another illustration!

SUGII-BODAI-3

Junmai Bodaimoto!
Bodaimoto/菩提酛 is an old way of making the moto/酛/sake starter dating back to the Muromachi Era (14th~16th Century) with a mixture of steamed and non steamed (raw) rice, natural lactic acid and yeast.

SUGII-BODAI-4

Rice: Shizuoka Prefecture rices
Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 13.8 %
Dryness: + 5.5
Acidity: 2.0
Bottled in February 2016

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Discreet, elegant and fruity. Green apples, persimmon
Body: sirupy
Taste: Very dry and fruity attack. Little junmai petillant.
Prunes, dry muscat.
Lingers only for a little while before departing on a drier note withdry apricots and persimmon.
Turns drier, more discreet and acidic with food.
Alcohol will surge forth in spite of its low contents.

Overall: A discovery from another era when taste buds were definitely different!
I personally loved its down to earth approach and fully appreciated with food although it might shock people used to milder sake.
A sake to enjoy informally!
Suggested pairings: izakaya heavy food, stews, pickles.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-Hatsukame “En” Honjozo

When it comes to a home party one always looks for a sake which is not only tasty and easy to pair at all temperatures but also reasonably-priced.
The other day I did participate to a big home party with old mates and I had the perfect present to bring with me!

HATSUHON-2

Hatsukame Brewery in Okabe, Fujieda City produces this extravagant honjozo called “En/縁”!
When you read the specs you will realize that some breweries in Shizuoka Prefecture are spoiling their customers!

HATSUHON-3

Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice milled down to 65%
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.30
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Brewed in September 2015
Bottled in November 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. pears, banana, rice, greens
Body: fluid
Taste: Dry and fruity attack.
Complex: oranges, custard, chestnuts.
Lingers only for a short while before departing on a still drier note with oranges, custard and coffee beans.
Becomes milder and lighter with food before finishing on a drier note.
Oranges and custard in particular will come back once again away from food.
At lukewarm temperature/”nurukan”, tends to become lighter and less complex, but still very pleasant on the palate.

Overall: I conducted that tasting in a light-hearted manner with my friends before he alcohol took the best of them. We all agreed it was simply extravagant considering the ridiculously cheap price!
This is the kind of sake you can bring to any party any time of the year when you can savor it on its own or with any food, at room temperature or warmed up!
The kind of sake you won’t let inside the bottle very long and a great introduction to beginners!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: One-Cup Series 14): Shidaizumi Brewery-Nyan Cup Shidaizumi Junmai Ginjo

A very interesting and reasonable way to taste sake is to acquire one-cup sake!
They also make for cute collection of glasses or cups!

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SN3O0472

Now, this is the sixth tasting of the second batch of Shizuoka Prefecture One Cup Sake I obtained at Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City!

SHIDAIZUMI-ONE-CUP-2

Shidaizumi Brewery-Nyan Cup Shidaizumi Junmai Ginjo!
Actually, this is the original Nyan Cup which has now 4 different types all with different sake inside!

SHIDAIZUMI-ONE-CUP-5

If you look at the inside of cup once empty you will find out that the cats look at with different eyes!

SHIDAIZUMI-ONE-CUP-4

Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Bottled in July 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: assertive, dry and fruity.
Banana, pears, custard, green apple.
Body: fluid, a little sirupy
Taste: dry and very fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex. Bananas, dry oranges, faint almonds.
Lingers only for a little while before departing on a drier note with drier chocolate, custard and mandarin oranges.
Oranges and coffee beans will make a surprise appearance once in a while.
Turns drier with food with faint coffee beans appearing.
Stays dry all the way through with plenty of junmai petillant.

Overall: very elegant and extravagant one cup sake!
     I wonder if people understand its real value as a premium sake and as a splendid souvenir!
To take with you on any trip and to forget the crowds!
No wonder it sells out so quickly!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: One-Cup Series 13): Shidaizumi Brewery-Nyan Cup Shidaizumi “Rasta” Umeshu

A very interesting and reasonable way to taste sake is to acquire one-cup sake!
They also make for cute collection of glasses or cups!

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SN3O0472

Now, this is the fifth tasting of the second batch of Shizuoka Prefecture One Cup Sake I obtained at Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City!

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SN3O0543

A one cup sake by Shidaizumi Brewery in Fujieda City

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It is part of a series known all over Japan with cat designs and so-called Nyan Cups!
Although this one contains umeshu, it was originally created with junmai sake made in the same brewery!

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SN3O0545

That name “Rasta” is just great!

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Alcohol: 11 degrees
Junmai sake
Ume/Japanese plums
Water
Sugar
Fruit juice

Clarity: very clear
Color: light brown
Aroma: assertive, sweet and fruity. Umeshu
Body: fluid
Taste: drier than expected and very fruity attack.
Complex. Sweetness will come with every sip to disappear quickly.
Lingers only for a little while before departing on a dry “ume” note.
Very pleasant alcohol.

Overall: an incredibly elegant umeshu, so different from most cloying products found on the market.
Its comparatively (for the market!) high alcohol content contributes to an unexpected complexity!
The ume/Japanese plum inside are of the crunchy type and quite dry.
The cup is so exquisite! A must souvenir!
To be indulged in any time, anywhere all year round!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sugii Brewery-Suginishiki Yamahai Junmai Akiagari Homarefuji

These days I try conduct my tastings inside specialized establishments!

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I sampled this brew by Sugii brewery at La Sommeliere Wine & sake Bar in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

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Once again a long name for a Sugii Brewery sake in Fujieda City!
Suginishiki Yamahai Junmai Akiagari (first Autumn) Homarefuji!

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Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka-grown)
Rice milled down to 70%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: ;8
Acidity: 1.6
Yeast: Association No 701
Pasteurized only once
Bottled in August 2014

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry and assertive. Fruity. Custard, chestnuts
Body: fluid
Taste: Very dry and fruity attack backed up by puissant junmai petillant.
Complex. Custard, chestnuts, almonds, dark chocolate.
Lingers in the palate for a little while before departing on an even drier note.
Will become even drier with food with a late appearance by greens and welcome acidity.
Dark chocolate will become more insistent once away again from food with appearance of coffee beans.

Overall: Thanks to its dryness and complexity, a sake perfect for a happy marriage with food!
Will surely take the place of a more vaunted wine!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sugii Brewery-Suginishiki Junmai Daiginjo Kimoto

Sugii Brewery in Fujieda City has always been an innovator closely looked by connoisseurs all over Japan.
They are not afraid to innovate or trying old methods again as with this kimoto, a natural fermentation process difficult to control and bring to success!

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This particular tastings like so many was conducted in another “secret lair” of mine.
Sorry, but I’m not allowed to divulge its name in articles! LOL

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Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 40% for the kooji rice and 50% for the kake rice
Yeast: Shizuoka HD-1
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 6
Acidity: 1.3
Bottled in July 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Fruity and dry. Pears
Body: Fluid
Taste: very fruity and slightly dry attack backed up by a little junmai petillant.
Both complex and straightforward.
Pears, apricots, chestnuts.
Drinks very easily.
Lingers on the palate longer than usual to end up on a drier note.
Dark chocolate appears with other cups.
Changes little with food.
Becomes sweeter and acquires a more pronounced well-rounded attack with rise in temperature.

Overall: A beauty when you consider the difficulty!
Very mysterious for a kimoto.
Best appreciated with food in spite of its elevated status.
Its dryness makes it a superb aperitif although thoroughly enjoyable for the whole meal whatever the gastronomy!
A discovery!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine
, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-Ikigakoi Tokubetsu Honjozo

Hatsukame Brewery in Okabe, Fujieda City has come up with its own black label!

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The unusual name “Ikigakoi” could be translated as “Stylish Enclosure”! Even so it is a bit difficult to understand in another language!
But it certainly makes for a beautiful label!

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Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~6 degrees
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.30
Yeast: NO-2
Bottled in March 2014

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Apples
Body: Slightly sirupy
Taste: Strong attack backed up with pleasant alcohol.
Complex and fruity. Apples, honey.
At first almost sweetish and liquorish before ending up on a very dry note.
Disappears fairly quickly with hints of dry honey.
Actually difficult to “catch” as it tends to show new and very elusive facets.
Changes little with food but for a less liquorish impression.

Overall: Another typical sake from Hatsukame Brewery conceived not only to accompany but to happily marry and enhance food.
A sure value to drink on its own or enjoy with any meal. The kind of sake that will make new converts at a BBQ!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Shidaizumi Brewery-Shinshookoshi

This is an extraordinary sake!
It is made with rice cultivated exclusively in Izu since the Meiji period and sold there only.
That is, if you do not know a good sake/wine shop who can produce it out of the back storeroom!
I can’t really tell where I got it, but if you find it, just do not hesitate!

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Mr. Mochizuki, owner of the Shidaizumi Brewery in Fujieda City wanted to to give it to Ryuuma, a Japanese hero of the Bakufu and Meiji Periods if he still lived!

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Exclusively made with Aikokumai rice cultivated in South Izu Peninsula!
It is not staed as such but it must definitely be a Junmai ginjo!

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Rice: Aikokumai (South Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Bottled in February 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: Very faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Strawberries
Body: Fluid
Tasting: Dry and fruity attack.
Complex and surprisingly elegant. Strawberries.
Lingers for a while warming up the palate before leaving with hints of dry almonds and oranges.
Tends to take on a drier turn with food, but on the other hand tends to become sweeter as soon as drunk away from food with strong hints of milk coffee and dark chocolate.

Overall: A very unusual sake in Shizuoka Prefecture, but this is not surprising considering the rice being used.
Nevertheless far more complex and elegant than expected, thanks to great brewer’s skills proving that any good rice, whatever its origin, can be concocted into superlative sake!
A rare sake that you will have to search in South Izu Peninsula unless you have the right connections!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-Beppin Kara Kara Junmai Ginjo

Don’t ask me where I tasted it! It is my kakureya/隠れ屋/secret waterhole!

I was shown this bottle by hatsukame Brewery in Okabe, Fujieda City, and i just had to conduct a tasting!
“ppin” stnag\ds for “somthing else” and “Kara kara” means “very dry”!

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If you are cognizant with Japanese food and Shizuoka City you might have an inkling of where I enjoyed it!

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Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Dryness: ;10
Acidity: 1.45
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in December 2013

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Very faint golden hue
Aroma: Discreet, dry and fruity. Apples, chestnuts
Body: Fluid
Taste: Very dry attack backed up junmai petillant.
Very complex and elusive
Fruity: chestnuts.
Disappears fairly quickly warming up the back of the palate.
Takes on an even drier turn with food with more chestnuts and oranges.
Insistently calls for the next cup.

Overall: A sake obviously conceived to superbly accompany food, but definitely and eminently enjoyable on its own.
Do not be fooled by the dryness, it is a very complex and elegant sake!
For the dry sake, I mean the elegant ones, lovers, be they gals or lads! A bit dangerous as it lures you into
the next cup!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sugii Brewery-“Yaoyorozu”Yamahai Junmai Homarefuji

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Sugii Brewery has been brewing this particular brand for some time and it is noteworthy for more than reason.
First of all it is a Yamahai, a variety of sake than many breweries conscientiously ignore as it is difficult to master its natural fermentation.
Interestingly enough “Shizuoka Yamahai” is tarting to get some deserved attention from the rest of Japan as many Shizuoka breweries have made it their challeng to tackle it.
And the results are certainly striking!

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Another interesting aspect is that the rice is Shizuoka-grown Hoamrefuji, which is steadily earning its lettres de noblesse (fame)!

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Rice: Homarefuji
Rice milled down to 70%
Dryness: + 5
Acidity: 2.0
Bottled in Novemeber 2013

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Light golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. bananas, custard.
Body: Very fluid
Taste: Dry deep attack.
Little junmai petillant.
Complex. Tends to show new facets in slightly wild and unpredictable fashion.
Fruity: dry oranges. Later dark chocolate and milk coffee.
Welcome acidity.
Disappears quickly enough with hints of dry coffee beans.
Becomes momentarily drier and deeper with food.
Takes on a sweeter turn immediately after food with strong hints of milk coffee.
Superbly marries with any food.

Overall: Although obviously conceived to be drunk with food, it is a thoroughly enjoyable sake on its own with intriguing facets enticing you to the next cup and the nest one beyoond.
A very dangerous sake in a sense as you don’t tire of it and feel obliged to discover a new facet!
A challenge, and a successful one at that be it on the brewer’s side or the drinker’s!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Shidaizumi Brewery-Tokubetsu Honjozo Hyakumangoku

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I have always been wondering at the wisdom of creating a honjonzo.
After all it is certainly more difficult than making a straight junami as you have to blend the aforementioned junmai with pure sake alcohol.
In fact many a brew master has agreed it is a lot of work for making a sake sold at a lower price…
Mind you I do not complain, especially considering the extravagant rice millage practiced by Shizdaizumi Brewery in Fujieda City!

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Rice: Hyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Dryness: + 6.0
Acidity: 1.1
Bott;ed in November 2013

Clarity: very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Discreet, elegant, fruity. Coffee beans, vanilla
Body: fluid
Taste: Soft, dry. elegant attack with strong coffee beans and dry dark chocolate.
Complex. Pleasant alcohol. Disappears quickly with hints of dry nuts.
Take an even drier turn with food.

Overall: An intriguing and elegant sake.
Eminently enjoyable on its own although obviously conceived to accompany food.
I actually made a point to drink it with dates and sweet biscuits and discovered that its accentuated dryness beautifully married with the sweetness of the cakes!
It just proves you ind you I could drink that particular brew all night long!ought to drink any sake in many combinations as far as food is concerned.
Mind you, I could drink that particular brew all night long!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City