Yukikage - "Snow Shadow" Tokubetsu Junmai (720ml)

Yukikage is produced by Kinshihai Shuzo, a brewery in Niigata Prefecture renowned for the exceptional quality of its local water, drawn from a source known locally as Tengu's spring alongside on-site well water. The brewery has earned numerous gold medals at Japan's National Sake Competition over the years, and Snow Shadow itself took home gold at the US National Sake Appraisal in 2006, cementing its reputation among fans of classic Niigata style sake.

This tokubetsu junmai, a designation reserved for a brewery's specially crafted offerings, is made from a blend of Gohyakumangoku and Koshi Ibuki rice, both milled down to 58 percent and fermented with S-3 yeast using the traditional sokujo starter method. The combination results in a sake with a mildly fragrant, clean character carried by subtle earthy undertones.

On the nose, look for green apple, bamboo, steamed rice, and apricot, while the palate turns soft and light bodied, layered with toasty brown rice, apple marzipan, vanilla, and a touch of anise. Deeper notes of maple syrup and caramel emerge as it warms. Serve it chilled with gyoza, or gently warmed alongside grilled salmon.