Otokoyama Junmai [1 Koku - 19]

Allegedly the most popular junmai in the U.S., this Otokoyama number, from Hokkaido Prefecture, is brewed from haenuki milled to 55%, SMV +10, acidity 1.6, and 15.5% abv. Straightforward, slightly sweet, roasted rice nose. Clean, light, rice flavor, medium bodied over the mid-palate, crisp dry finish. At room temperature, a bit unpleasantly bitter, better with a chill on. Must say that the alcohol taste/burn is somewhat prominent, so while relatively easy to drink, what with all the tanrei-ness going on, I can only go slowly here. Not bad, but not my favorite.