Sake review: 4 bottles – Vine connections

Fukucho “Forgotten Fortune” Tokubetsu Junmai Hattanso

Pours clear. The nose is very dry and mineral driven with very nice honeydew melon but not sweet in any way almost as if there was dehydrated melon powder. Powdery. There are also some stone fruit flowers. The palate is richer than the dry nose would suggest but still not sweet, instead saline. We get more of the beautiful floral aromatics echoed on the palate. The finish is clean showing some of the unique rice this uses.  

Tensei “Endless Summer" Tokubetsu Honjozo

Pours clear with a light lemon lime. The nose is fragrant and floral but not intense. I get Rhododendron blossom. The palate is bright and refreshing with an oat backbone. Endless Summer is a perfect name for this sake as it is invigorating but also incredibly easy to enjoy. Perfect as an aperitif. With salty foods it gains weight and the herbal complexity of lemongrass.

Takatenjin “Sword of the Sun" Tokubetsu Honjozo

Pours clear. There’s just a faint aroma of watermelon which makes the rich honeydew and pear juice of the palate all the more surprising. The finish is clean and enjoyable. This is a great bottle to pour for Ginjo fans looking to explore Tokubetsu Junmai.

Tentaka “Silent Stream” Junmai Daiginjo

Pours clear. Huge and incredible tropical nose of lychee, kiwi and pineapple. This is one of the most gorgeous noses I’ve ever smelled. The rich palate has more pineapple as well as yellow flowers. There’s a pleasant amount of acidity I did not expect from a super premium Junmai Daigino. Made from the highest possible grade of Yamada Nishiki polished to 35%. The finish extends nicely carrying more of the beautiful tropical flavors.