Wakatake Onikoroshi Junmai Daiginjo [1 Koku - 36]

From Shizuoka Prefecture's Oomuraya Shuzo, the Wakatake "Onikoroshi" Junmai Daiginjo is one of only a few sakes at this level available in the U.S. in the isshobin size. Reasonably affordable too - I believe this rang the bell at around $65 or so, though of course your mileage may vary. Brewed from Yamada Nishiki rice milled to 40% and Shizuoka's regional HD-1 yeast, SMV ±0, acidity 1.4, and 16.5% abv. Most "Onikoroshi" - Demon Slayer - I've come across have been very dry, with high SMV numbers. This then must have been another laid back demon, as this sake is anything but aggressive.

With a modest chill, the nose is mostly fresh and green, almost floral stemminess, but also a touch of sweetness. On the palate, soft and silky and graceful and elegant, light, not rich, not particularly dry or sweet, but still rice sweetness on the finish and a nice bite of acidity. It is even surprisingly dry, given the ±0, and even a bit of persistence on the finish. At room temperature though, I was picking up a slightly medicinal hospital note on the nose, which I didn't much like, and a clear taste of alcohol. Better keep it chill. I don't think Chiyonofuji here (千代の富士) would disagree.