I usually focus on Yamaguchi sake for this, but that’s not because it’s better or anything. It’s just that I’m local, and I love to support local business. At the same time, I’m more than happy to drink sake from anywhere. Especially, as in this case, when it’s a gift from a friend!
This is Chikushino Daiginjo from Oga Shuzo in Chikushino City, Fukuoka prefecture. The literature says it was founded in 1673, which makes it the oldest kura in Fukuoka.
It’s an aruten Daiginjo, meaning it was made with added brewer’s alcohol to bring out that daiginjo aroma a bit more.
In the cup, this is a clear, aromatic sake with a hint of melon and mild apple aroma. The flavor is a full-bodied medium karakuchi, with a clean finish. It’s kind of the archetypical medium bodied daiginjo. It has that complexity of sweetness/umami people like, and a clean finish with a hint of acidity. And it is a perfect meal sake. It stands up to heavy flavors, and doesn’t kill milder flavors, and it goes down smooth.
So, yeah. It’s good. It’s very good. It’s more than worth trying if you stumble across it, and I can recommend it for social drinking, mealtime drinking, and just all around enjoying.
Yamaguchi Sake 
Leave a Reply