Hirotogawa 廣戸川 特別純米 Tokubetsu Junmai 55% Seimai Buai

Rice - Yumenokaori 夢の香 🌾
Prefecture - Fukushima 福島県
Brewery - Matsuzaki Syuzo 松崎酒造
Alcohol - 16%
Color - Colorless
Aroma - 🍚, 🍑,🍈, Yoghurt
Taste - Medium
Umami - Medium
First impression - Lively
Body - Medium
Sweetness - Medium Dry
Tail/length - Short
IG: @mitsui.sakenoob
🥯🥯🥯🥯
Notes - Matsuzaki Syuzo was hit hard by the East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March, 2011 and the buildings were damaged by the destructive earthquake. Luckily most of the products were unharmed and brewing started again soon after. Brewed with Yume no Kaori 🌾 which was Fukushima’s answer to Gohyakumangoku 🌾, it tends to produce a 🍶 with well balanced aromatics and flavors.

First time trying this brand and I find that it is rounded and well balance in the mouth and yet with so much elegance that comes after every sip. The fragrance is gentle and sweet and comprise of 🍈 and 🍑. This is something rather unique for a Junmai-Shu. It is soft tasting and you can feel a crisp and clean texture when it slides down your throat. Not forgetting to mention, it also won gold prize in the Sake Competition in 2016. No wonder it taste really good.

Food pairing was done over dinner at 初魚鐵板燒 where it was paired with the wonderful teppanyaki dishes by the chef. The Tokubetsu Junmai goes really well with the abalone laced with kombu and toasted dried seaweed and also the Miyazaki A5 🥩 with 🧄 cloves. The umaminess of the 🍶 helps to push the abalone to a heavenly point and also helps reduce the oily sensation from the 🥩. I am grateful that 🍶was invented many years ago as it really helps to adjust and enhance the flavor of food. Tokubetsu Junmai or Tokubetsu Honjozo never fails to surprise me and I’ll always choose to order them if I see one at a restaurant.