Zen Tokubetsu Junmai [1 Koku - 35]

From Asabiraki Shuzo in Iwate Prefecture, home to the Nanbu Toji guild. Brewed from gin otome milled to 60%, SMV +2, acidity 1.5, amino acidity 1.4. Rich nose, medium-dry, quite full-flavoured, roasted notes, but not heavy, and transitions to a lighter and cleaner profile, smooth, the acidity isn't prominent, but this is very pleasant and balanced, with a soothing and long finish. A lovely sip. And today, an ideal tribute to the Nanbu guild's winter brewing style - near blizzard conditions, 15 hours non-stop snowfall, at least 15 inches, but parts of our patio are 2 feet deep (after shovelling a few hours ago).