A Sake Menu for Spring

Currently it is right in the middle of sake brewing in Japan. During this period, temperatures have dropped, and delicious sake will be prepared one after another. Fresh-brewed sake has a fine aroma of living yeast, and also includes carbonation, which gives a pleasant stimulation to the tongue. It’s unfortunate we cannot readily drink syrupy and indescribably delicious new sake here in America. But if you have a chance to go to Japan, how about visiting a local sake brewery and trying delicious, freshly brewed sake?
Well, the calendar says it’s just about spring. Why don’t we consider a menu of sake that matches well with the foods of spring?

Sake that Matches with Spring Seafood
Tuna: Sashimi, of course; and if pickled, it matches very well – Junmai
Squid: Broiled squid, squid rice – Ginjo
Clams: Broiled clams, soup – Ginjo
Sea Bream: Soup, sea bream rice – Daiginjo, Ginjo
King Crab: Grilled king crab – Daiginjo
Flounder: Sashimi, simmered foods – Ginjo, Daiginjo
Monkfish: Monkfish liver, one-pot dishes – Junmai, Ginjo
Yellowtail: Teriyaki – Junmai
This Month’s Selection
Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., LTD.
Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo
Sayuri Junmai Ginjo
These are exquisite pieces of work from Nada in Hyogo Prefecture. Particularly with regard to the Junmai Daiginjo, contrary to the fact that it has a fine fragrance, it is also a full-bodied sake, which is one of its special characteristics. There is a sense of deliciousness that returns after drinking, and it even goes well with dishes other than seafood, like chicken.
The aroma of the yeast in the Junmai Ginjo is quite rich. The sourish taste and the deliciousness are truly balanced - it is perfect sake during a meal. Foods like teriyaki, tempura, and simmered dishes match exceptionally well.
Even compared to unfiltered sake, Sayuri is a dry sake. Yakiniku cooked in sweet sauce, eel, and so forth match very well. In particular, the compatibility with yakiniku is beyond imagination.

For seminars on Japanese sake or shochu, contact Yuji Matsumoto at 310-936-4649 or ymatsumoto001@gmail.com.



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