The land tells each story
Have you ever felt that "where does this taste come from" while drinking sake? Even though the same rice and the same manufacturing method are used, sake has completely different appearances depending on the brewery and region. Just like wine, sake has a "terroir" that is only found in the area.
Today I would like to introduce some sake from Niigata, a rice-producing place in Japan.
A pure world told by the melting snow
When I first drank Niigata sake, I was surprised by the clarity. The moment you put it in your mouth, you feel as if the clear air of a snowy mountain flows on your tongue. It was then that I realized that this was the essence of Niigata sake, known as "light and dry."
Niigata is known as a heavy snowfall area. The snow that has accumulated over the long winter slowly penetrates into the ground over time, becoming soft water and reaching the brewers' hands. This soft water with few minerals is the source of the unique refined taste of Niigata sake.
The aesthetics of silence created by cold climate
Sake brewing in Niigata begins with a dialogue with the harsh cold. The cold winter slows down the speed of fermentation, allowing the yeast to ferment slowly, resulting in a fragrant and richly flavorful sake. This gentle fermentation develops a pure taste without any impurities.
Niigata boasts three different personalities
There are many representative sakes of Niigata, but this time we will introduce three brands with different personalities, from famous to hidden masterpieces. All of these are interesting sakes that have a distinctive expression, with a distinctive look that is typical of Niigata.
Hakkaisan (Hakkai Brewing) - A versatile athlete with a soft mouthfeel
Hakkaisan's distinctive "light and dry with a soft mouthfeel" is a versatile sake with a light and refreshing taste, and is a versatile sake that goes well with dishes. Established in the rich natural environment of Uonuma, Hakkaisan is not too assertive and its philosophy is to enhance the cuisine.
When you enjoy it slowly with a thick tin drink, the soft flavor and aroma of Mt. Hakkai stands out in a moderate way. The inclusive and coldness of tin beautifully expresses the gentle personality of this sake.
Recommended pairings:
- Japanese food: Grilled fish, tempura, meat and potatoes, miso soup
- Western foodGrilled chicken, cream pasta, cheese dishes
- Chinese: Hot pot, green pepper meat, seafood stir-fried
Tsururei (Aoki Sake Brewery) - Uonuma's pride in a delicious, delicious dish
Tsururyo, brewed by Aoki Sake Brewery, founded in 1717 in the heavy snowy area of Uonuma, is a representative of the "Light Rei Takumoku" that brings out the true flavor of the rice to the fullest, whilst still having a sharp, light finish that is typical of Niigata sake. Among the Niigata sake, which is often "dry and dry," this is a brewery that aims to brew "dry and delicious" sake with the "dry and delicious yukataku" sake, which retains the original flavor of sake rice, and is a bottle of connoisseurs.
If you enjoy it slowly at about 10-12°C in a medium-thick tin dish, the delicate flavor and complex aroma of Tsururyo will unfold. The ion effect of tin beautifully organizes the flavor that forms the layer of sake, creating an elegant aftertaste.
Recommended pairings:
- Japanese food: Saikyo-yaki white fish, Chikuzenni, hot tofu, seasonal mountain vegetables
- Western food: White fish poiret, risotto, aged cheese
- Chinese: Steamed fish, Shanghai crab, delicate dim sum
Pine Dew (Taiyo Sake Brewery) - A hidden masterpiece that pursues the ultimate dryness
Despite being a dry sake with a sake level of 10, Matsu no Dew is known only to those who know it as a mysterious alcohol that you won't get bored of drinking every day. It uses Niigata Ginjo No. 9, a yeast for ginjo sake, and is a bottle for true dry enthusiasts, derived from Matsunodew, one of the sake names of the brewery, which is the predecessor of Taiyo Sake Brewery.
When you drink it sharply chilled with a thin tin cup, the dignified spicy and transparent texture of the pine dew stands out. The cooling effect of the tin makes the sturdy taste more vivid and beautifully expresses the final sharpness.
Recommended pairings:
- Japanese food: Sashimi in general, grilled fish, pickles, soba noodles
- Western food: Food made with raw oysters, seafood salad, and white wine vinegar
- Chinese: Chilled steamed chicken, white-cut chicken, refreshing appetizer
The true value of Niigata sake brought out by tin
The compatibility of Niigata sake and tin dishes is truly a combination given by the heavens. The excellent thermal conductivity of tin instantly cools the sake to the appropriate temperature, while the ionic effect removes the corners of the sake and creates a smooth mouthfeel.
In particular, the light and dry taste you drink in a thin tin cup is exceptional. The moment the sake flows through the edge of the dish, the refreshing sensation reaches your lips, allowing you to fully experience the pleasant crease that passes through your throat. A thick tin drink will envelop a richer aroma and flavor, allowing you to enjoy the depth of Niigata sake in a relaxed time.
Gifts from snowy regions
The experience of enjoying Niigata sake in a tin bowl can be said to be a cultural activity that goes beyond just the experience of "drinking alcohol." The sake, nurtured in the silence of the snow, encounters vessels that have been hand-made by craftsmen, and weaves a new story.
With every sip, I can imagine the snowy scenery of Echigo, and feel the quiet passion of the brewers. Please try this special time too.
The tin alloy sake ware we carry can be found below.