Koueigiku Tsukikage Kimoto Muroka Nama Genshu Moon Shadow

Wow! That is such a fun and unusual flavor. I write this as I taste Shinriki Tsukikage for the first time, and I’m so stunned by the unique beauty of it. I think I’m going to struggle to write tasting notes, only because I can’t do it concisely!

The flavor of this sake can really be separated into 4 experiences for me. First, the aroma: ostensibly nothing too unique…yummy orchard fruit, some fresh cream, cultured butter notes… but I get the distinct smell of some of my favorite local Oregon Chardonnays with just a touch of that indulgent oak-buttery vibe (locals: think Martin Woods or Crowley!), an alluring quality that leaves me sniffing as much as sipping.
Next, there’s the palate. To start, a pretty typical nama-ness, full orchard fruit, peach, a little bit of mango, tropical, a little buttery and caramelized. Off-dry, higher than average acidity, super well balanced, really grounded. Then, the mid palate comes in with this really unusual…something. It’s an umami quality, but it’s not like anything I’ve had before. There’s a sense of golden fields of grain, chamomile tea, and the sweet resinous quality of white sage. Smudge stick sake? Anyway, it’s different.
The finish is lingering….that’s the last part. Because it lingers, it invites you think about this whole experience.

Anyway, I love it.

I could not be more proud to introduce our third Shinriki sake. One of the rarest, ancient varieties of rice in Japan!