NV Nishiyama Shuzo Kotsuzumi Hanafubuki Junmai Daiginjo Hyogo 750 ml

The first time this sake and I crossed paths it was at dinner with a group of sake enthusiast a few years ago while I was putting the considering contenders for the Morimoto Restaurant Group. Back then I was brainstorming for the upcoming Morimoto Dubai Morimoto Qatar and Morimoto Las Vegas programs. This sake just spoke to me, it had a certain charm with a generous profile that is just impossible to forget, just like your first summer love. I became enchanted and started looking into the breweries rich history and location, prime Sake real estate in the Hyogo Prefecture. 

I finally visited the brewery a couple years ago, honestly based on the elaborate and eye catching labels I thought I would encounter a sterile and modern brewery but no, it was the complete opposite. 

After the ride from Kyoto to Tamba City where the brewery which dates back to 1849 is located we arrived to this magical part of the world. The brewery, composed of a handful of small buildings exuded a ceremonial and zen feel with a certain air of tradition and harmony. 

The brewery tour had me smiling from ear to ear, that feeling you only get from seeing your grandparents hometown for the first time. The highlight was without a doubt sitting in the tatami floors with a low table and a collection of beautiful sake glasses and the full line up from Nishiyama Shuzo. 

This sake, the Nishiyama Shuzo Kotsuzumi Hanafubuki ‘Shower of Blossoms’ screamed out of the lineup with its floral essence driven by Mandarine and Jasmine blossoms, citrus and marzipan provided mostly by the ancient Ogawa 10 yeast. The round and robust mouthfeel from the Gohyakumangoku Rice strain provides weight in the palate, followed up by a subtle and sensual elegance from 50% milling of the rice and the Hyogo’s water qualities.

This sake’s feminine yet powerful nature allows it to be a great partner for a variety of dishes with layers of flavors and spice. Recently we picked up BBQ from our favorite local St. Louis Style spot and decided to crack a bottle of this baby. The results were just ideal, the tangy smoky notes hugged the depth and floral structure, making it an ideal pairing. At the same time this sake is a great companion to grilled salmon and even a traditional Valencian Seafood and Chicken Paella with a good dose of saffron. Enjoy it with a slight chill akin to Chardonnay and serve it in a wine glass to take full advantage of all the layers and timeless notes.