This sake from Yatsushika Shuzo is a rarity for me on two counts. First, it’s my first sake from Oita prefecture in Kyushu. I’ve visited Oita many times, but oddly never picked up a brew there. It’s a serious oversight!
Second, it’s a ginjo that isn’t a junmai. This class of sake is increasingly being passed over for junmai ginjo sakes by consumers, so many kura are apparently phasing it out for the more popular junmai versions, sadly.
This bottle was a gift from a friend, and a welcome one indeed. It opens with a clear ginjo aroma of sweet apple and banana notes, but settled down to a richer aroma in the cup.
In the mouth, however, it is more full bodied than most junmai ginjo. It has a full umami punch and a mildly sour finish, with a flavor that is much more meal friendly than your typical ginjo.
A fine sake, if a bit harsher than most ginjo drinkers expect.
Yamaguchi Sake 
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