Saké & Shochu Selections
Expressive saké and shochu can act as a refreshing thirst quencher or complex pairing partner. Try these five selections from our staff today.
Shibata Black Shuzo, Junmai Ginjo Craft Sake $12.96
Why choose this saké? Does a fruit-forward style (think ripe pineapple and papaya) suit your palate? How about a female Toji using Ginpu rice and some of Japan’s softest water to create a ‘pocket saké’ in a flask-shaped bottle? A saké for pairing with soft cheeses? My answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES! – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Yuzu, Omoi $29.96
To be plain and simple, this is one of the most refreshing, quaffable things that I have tasted in the last year. It is like drinking an ice cold lemonade on a triple-digit day in the middle of August. The sweetness is perfectly balanced with racy acidity, which keeps this light and clean on the palate. This is an unfiltered saké so it has nice texture, expect notes of lemon lime sorbet and sunshine. – Archie Archuleta, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Inoue Syuzo Aka Maoh Shochu $31.96
Inoue Shuzo was established in 1893 and is operating under the guidance of the 6th generation of the Inoue family. From their specially designed “Shochu Dojo” in the Oita Prefecture they have crafted this irresistible imo (sweet potato) sochu: ‘Aka Maou’ {Red Devil}. While the mention of demons may scare away the less adventurous, this single distillation of sweet potato, white koji and mineral spring waters is nothing to fear! This soft and expressive sochu is unbelievably easy to drink neat or per tradition, with a drop of hot water. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Sales Consultant
Mana 1751, “True Vision” Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Genshu $41.99
A powerful, rich saké honoring the traditional Yamahai method, which develops deep and wild umami notes of earth and musk through the natural creation of lactic acid. The red circle on the label illustrates an abstract depiction of the enzymatic magic that occurs with the help of ambient yeasts during the Yamahai method, which is becoming much rarer due to modern production methods. This saké is a purist’s delight, as it is undiluted, unfiltered, unblended, and is created at a true microbrewery with only three employees! – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Fukochu Moon on the Water Junmai Ginjo $46.96
This Nama (unfiltered) made by legendary brewmaster Miho Imada is bursting with flavors of Korean pear. melon, and mouthwatering umami. Combine that with well above average weight and viscosity, you have serious opulence in every sip. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant