Mizuhana 水端 1568 2022 80% Seimai Buai

Rice - Akitsuho 秋津穂 🌾
Prefecture - Nara 奈良県
Brewery - Yucho Shuzo 油長酒造
Alcohol - 17%
Color - Yellow
Aroma - 🍯, Maltose, Ripe 🍍, Apricot, Cinnamon, Spices, Earthy
Taste - Light
Umami - Medium
First impression - Lively
Body - Medium
Sweetness - Medium
Tail/length - Medium
IG: @mitsui.sakenoob
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Notes - Another unique 🍶 that is part of the Mizuhana collection. This time is the Mizuhana 1568 which has only 1094 bottles from this production. The reason for 1568 is related to the year 1568 during the Muromachi period where temple brewing at Kofukuji Temple in Nara was at its peak. This 🍶 was brewed based on the 1568 description in the Tamonin Nikki diary and utilized winter zukuri brewing and took on the challenge of using less polished 🌾 (polishing ratio 80%). As the outside temperature was higher at the end of fermentation, it resulted in a drier taste.

A very unique and clean taste in the mouth with an interesting robust flavor that is earthy and yet with notes of Asian spice and cinnamon. It also has a slight woody fragrance that likely attribute to their storage ware and ending with a spiciness in the throat. However the profile of this 🍶 is lighter than the Mizuhana 1355 which I have reviewed previously.

All Mizuhana 🍶 are prepared regardless of the season and relies on the outside temperature to control the yeast and as such differences in the climate of the year are strongly linked to the taste profile of the 🍶. As the alcohol is slightly higher for this 🍶, I would suggest deep fried food for pairing so that the alcohol can clear up the palate after each sip.