Heiwa Shuzo Tsuru-Ume Nigori Umeshu
In this Nigori (cloudy) Umeshu made with Nanko Ume fruit from Wakayama, the pulp from the macerated Ume fruit is added to the Umeshu liqueur to give the liquid added texture from the fruit itself. This has a wonderful aroma of Ume, a sweet yet tart character on the palate, full body and a refreshing acidic finish. Great chilled on its own, or in a cocktail like a Spritz.
Tamanohikari Tokusen Junmai Ginjo Japanese Sake
Delicate flavour of rice and briskness of high acidity. Fulfilled the best balanced sake, good match with Kyoto cuisine.
Tenjaku Blended Japanese Whisky
"A dense harmony created through the weaving together of pure whiskeys of variousages. The gentle union of flavors and a mellowness found only in a pure malt whiskey. Delicate yetcomplex aromas and flavors open up, dancing smoothly in the mouth. Nose: Nutty, with hints ofgreen apple and fresh herbs. Richly rounded with only a slight smokiness. Palate: A crisp alcoholicpresence, solid, yet delicate and smooth in the mouth. Finish: Refreshing and clean aftertaste witha long finish. Vanilla notes give way to understated woody flavors that linger in the mouth."
Roku Gin
Roku is Japanese for "Six" which refers to the six Japanese botanicals used. Cherry blossoms, cherry leaves, green tea (sencha), refined green tea (gyokuro), sansh pepper, and yuzu are utilized along with eight other traditional gin botanicals. Smooth and oily, the gin has a rich character as it coats the tongue. Theres a fleeting glimpse of cherry blossom and traditional notes before the tea and tannic notes take over.
Kameman Shuzo Genmaishu
In theory it is impossible to ferment whole brown rice unless it is sprouted [which is what used to be done in ancient times] however Genmai-zake [literally - brown rice sake] means that the husk of the rice has not been polished off. Rather, the rice husk is crushed to expose the inner part of the grain to allow fermentation, while leaving the rice completely unpolished. Genmai-zake needs twice as much rice than would usually be required to make the same quantity of sake made from polished rice. This style also requires extra attention with longer soaking and steaming times. Soaking for Genmai-zake takes around 14 hours, whereas soaking for white rice ranges from 1 minute for highly polished rice to around 1 hour for less polished. This long soak time is followed by a double steaming process. During the fermentation of the Genmaishu, Shiuchi-san has to implement complicated additions of kōji rice, steamed rice and water at very specific intervals of the ferment period to to achieve the exact result he wants in the finished sake. Kameman also needs to age the sake before it is at its optimum drinking condition. It is incredibly rare to see a sake made from brown rice, with only one other brewery in Japan making a genmai-zake. The Genmaishu displays a beautiful brown sugar and roasted cocoa bean nose with a lovely balanced sweetness on the palate with tastes of ‘Christmas cake’ dried fruit and spices. Kameman have achieved the perfect balance of sweet/savoury/dry to make this a well balanced sake with great palate weight. As this sake ages it develops into even richer, more complex flavours. This is an interesting sake to match with food as it can be paired with sweet dishes with pastry, nuts and honey or can be used to match with rich ingredients like foie gras.
Tohoku Meijyo Hatsumago JunmaiDaiginjo Kagaboshi
"Kagaboshi" is a dialect unique to the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, where the brewery is located, and means "dazzling" and "I can't keep my eyes open because it shines." Junmai Daiginjo made with 100% Dewa Sansan, named after the shining rice. The junmai daiginjo brewed this winter has a deep and mellow taste after being squeezed and aged quietly in the brewery. The fragrance is not too gorgeous and has a well-balanced volume as Junmai Daiginjo. Of course, this sake is also kimoto-zukuri, which can be said to be the symbol of the Hatsumago. When raw, it may be heavy, but it is a sake that goes well with food without any dullness. If you drink it chilled, be careful not to let it cool too much, as it will have a slightly bitter taste. The refreshing scent of ginjo and the swelled taste are in perfect harmony. It's perfect for delicious autumn dishes.
Igarashi Shuzo Tenransan Momoiro Nigori Sake
Igarashi Shuzou Brewery is in the Saitma Prefecture located at the confluence of the Naguri and Nariki Rivers. This is a rare sake produced using pink yeast. There are two companies within the prefecture, including Igarashi Shuzo using this pink yeast. Pink yeast is very delicate, to the point the pink colour becomes less noticeable when mixed with even the slightest difference in yeast. Because of this delicacy, special tools are used for this sake and has been produced with such care to prevent other yeasts from contaminating it. Don't let cute pink colour fool you, this sake is not as sweet as it looks. It has a balance of sweet and sour taste.
Heiwa Shuzo Tsuru-ume Suppai Umeshu
Tsuru-Ume series are brewed and blended with the long experience and the rich skill and recipe in the liquor sprits brewing works of Heiwa Shuzou brewery. The most specific idea of living in this modern world stands on the understanding of “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability.” In this idea, the Tsuru-Ume series are hand-crafted in the concept of LOHAS style. That is why this series is not for mass production and easy consumption. You will know it when you try! Among the products produced in Wakayama prefecture, Heiwa Shuzo Tsuru-ume Suppai Umeshu is a new plum sake from Wakayama Prefecture, the plum heartland of Japan. The Heiwa Shuzō brewery has its own orchards and sticks to the principle of slow-brew. For this exquisite and full-taste umeshu, three times more plums have been used than usual in this recipe and the plums have been kept in the sake for 3 years, giving extra plum taste and aroma and making it extra sour or 'Suppai'. Cool it and enjoy it straight or on the rocks. After opening, store in a refrigerator and drink as soon as possible.
Heiwa Shuzo Tsuru-ume Kanjuku Umeshu
Tsuru-Ume series are brewed and blended with the long experience and the rich skill and recipe in the liquor sprits brewing works of Heiwa Shuzou brewery. The most specific idea of living in this modern world stands on the understanding of “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability.” In this idea, the Tsuru-Ume series are hand-crafted in the concept of LOHAS style. That is why this series is not for mass production and easy consumption. You will know it when you try! Among the products produced in Wakayama prefecture is Heiwa Shuzo Tsuru-Ume Kanjuku Umeshu is made with plums from Wakayama, is aged for six months and used in the production of this sake. It is made using the entire fruit and is fortified with sake. It is sweet without being overripe. Cool it and enjoy it straight or on the rocks. Store in a cool and dark place away from sunlight to avoid spoiling the taste. After opening, store in a refrigerator and drink as soon as possible.
Kanoshizuku Distilled Gin
A uniquely crafted artisan gin from the Yomeishu distillery combines 11 botanicals dominated by Kuromoji or Lindera umbellata, an aromatic tree native to Japan. The gin combines two spirits, one distilled with the fresh fragrant Kuromoji and the other with the final ten botanicals, including the obligatory juniper. The final result is a complex gin that is elegant and fresh as a green forest with the scent of Kuromoji and characters of citrus, juniper and spice. Drink it on the rocks or as a base for a martini.