Asahi no Yume, Gunma, Japan

A full-bodied, umami-licked and seriously exciting low ABV session sake. Fresh to our market from sake professional Mariko Tajir’s new import agency Kyabetsu Imports! Established in 1907, Tsuchida Sake Brewery is situated in Kawaba, a small village of 3,100 people in Gunma Prefecture, a mountainous region northwest of Tokyo. Now run by younger brewers who say, “we attempt to utilize old and new wisdom, and carry on our knowledge and skills to the next generation”. Amen to that! ’12’ is made from Asahi no Yume rice that's specially grown in the Gunma Prefecture, and polished to 90%. This is an intentionally LOW polish rate, meaning that 90% of the rice grain is left in tact. Typically in fine sake production high rice polishing ratios are the norm, but younger, more dynamic producers are questioning these practices, and seeking more savoury and characterful expressions that come from less polish. Gently polished grains were then fermented with the sweet and tangy-encouraging white koji, as well as umami and acidity encouraging Brewing Association Yeast #601. FUN FACT! ’12' is made similarly to the traditional Kimoto style, where the yeast starter is made from scratch through laborious manual pounding! Teriyaki umami, lime and yuzu acidity, a curdled lactic verve, honey elixir, pear & grape jelly. Enjoy with crisp fried foods eaten with your fingers, may we suggest jalapeño poppers, samosas, onion rings or falafels.