Shichi Hon Yari Junmai [1 Koku - 9]

From Shiga Prefecture's Tomita Shuzo, the "Seven Spearsmen" is a reference to seven senior Samurai in the service of Lord Hideyoshi, victorious in the Battle of Shizugatake, which took place in 1583 near Lake Biwa, not far from where Tomita Shuzo got its start some 40 years earlier. It is noted on the back-label that the calligraphy on the front is by Kitaoji Rosanjin. I read elsewhere that Rosanjin was not only an artist of great repute, but a restaurateur as well, having founded one private restaurant called Bishoku Club ("Gourmet's Club"). Well, Jun'ichiro Tanizaki was a direct contemporary for nearly the entirety of Rosanjin's life, and also the author of a short story titled, "The Gourmet Club" - I can't help but wonder if these two had much contact, but what an interesting meeting it would have been. At Bishoku Club, over some Tomita sake, no doubt.

Apparently one of the smallest producers in Japan, only three brewery staff, who ply their trade only in winter, producing about 270 Koku per year (at our current rate, it would only take us 180 years to drink all that.) Brewed with #1401 yeast and Shiga Prefecture's native tamazakae rice milled to 60%, pressed using the traditional wooden fune box, and singly pasteurised. SMV +4, acidity 1.8, 15.5% abv. Immediately one notices the earthy, sweet-savoury nose and the decidedly ginger colour. On the palate, the sake is both rich and light, with serious wood, earth and mushroom notes, over starch and fruit-sweetness, but finishing in a cleansing, pine cone and cinnamon-laced acid bite. Interesting and tasty, both.