Umenishiki Sake Hitosuji [1 Koku - 30]

From Ehime Prefecture's Umenishiki Yamakawa, this sake is a genshu junmai ginjo. Yamada Nishiki rice milled to 60%, SMV +5, acidity 1.9, 17% abv and brewed with #9 yeast. The nose brings to mind cotton candy, and the palate is full, round, and robust, initially quite sweet, but after a lengthy battle, finishes with a dry and acidic bite. The genshu (undiluted) character is evident, but never to excess - not hot or syrupy, but still assertive. Ehime prefecture has been known for delicate, round and sweet sake, unlike the dry and robust sake from neighbouring Kōchi. This sake seems to fall somewhere in between. A very enjoyable brew, one R. likes a lot, enough to siphon off a bottle to take with her to San Antonio this week. The remainder has evaporated with alarming quickness. Onwards!