Yamanoi shiro origarami nama
rice: Gohyakumangoku
polishing: 60%
yeast: ?
SMV: ?
ABV: 15%
acidity: ?
amino acid: ?
Aizu-shuzō was founded in 1688, and is located in the southern part of Fukushima where the verdant mountains with abundant nature stretch all the way into Gunma and Tochigi. The area also experiences heavy snowfall and low temperatures in winter, creating clear air and an inhospitable environment for undesirable microorganisms during the brewing season. Their two brands are Aizu, a 'classic' style sake, and Yamanoi, a revival of an old brand name brewed to be 'soft, clean, and easy-drinking.'
Yamanoi means 'mountain well,' so also hints at the high quality of the brewing water, which is extremely soft and pure. I had it for the first time when I worked with the brewery at the return of Craft Sake Week in September 2022, and was struck by the transparent quality of their sake like the Amanogawa blended product. Without being too deterministic about water, I do think this is an example of water quality giving a brewery a recognizable character.
And that character is clearly present in this usunigori nama: so fresh and soft, with the flavors dancing on the palate with particular clarity. That lightness and its citrusy presence makes it a natural pair for light foods where you might want a splash of orange or lemon: Mediterranean coucous salad, sashimi of octopus or scallop, maybe even kara-age fried chicken. A nama usunigori that might even win over detractors such as me!
@yamanoi_aizu_sake
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