Niigata Sakes at Sakaya

Mr. Ataru Kobayashi was found at Sakaya last week pouring samples of two of the fantastic Niigata sakes he imports through his company SENA Niigata Sake Selections.

Kobayashi-san is an eloquent advocate for sake from his home prefecture of Niigata. You can really feel his passion for sake and that passion comes through in the sakes he selects to import.

Kirinzan Junmai
First, I tried the Kirinzan Junami. In other posts I have already reviewed the beautiful Kirinzan Junmai Daiginjo that really is to “dai” for! I first had it at Sakagura and it was love at first sip.

This junmai grade sake from the same brewery is also a dream, but with a touch more rice in the nose and more broad flavors on the palate. It retains however, it’s gentle and soothing niigata je ne sais quoi.

I also can’t mention Kirinzan without mentioning the thoughtful packaging. The bottle for the Junmai is total eye candy and a wonderfully thoughtful touch!

Manotsuru Daiginjo

Next Kobayashi-san poured the delicious Manotsuru “Four Daimonds” Daiginjo.

This sake is made by Obata Sake Brewery’s President Mr. Hirashima. He’s a soft spoken man that makes a wonderfully smooth and serene beauty of a sake. Clean, yet with a light sweetness and mild melon and apple on the palate, I found myself wanting even more of this delicious brew than would fit in my tasting cup!

If you can’t tell by now, Niigata and it’s elegant sake has surely cast a spell upon me. The Niigata style of sake is lighter, easy to drink and very easy to enjoy. Pick up one of these sakes for yourself and you can see what a little Niigata can do for you. Kanpai!