Limited Edition
This release of sake from Nichi Nichi Sake Brewery celebrates the heirloom or pure rice strain of Kame no O. In many respects this rice variety is the opposite of widely known Yamadanishiki, which is often referred to as the “King of Sake rice”. Kame no O is a table or eating rice with a firm, hard grain which does not break down easily during sake fermentation. It is difficult to grow and does not respond well to fertilisers or other growth promoters so its cultivation and supply in Japan is very limited. Despite all of this many brewers believe that it fully expresses the gentle rice umami flavour that they are seeking, and they readily accept the challenges of brewing with it. The rice for this Nichi Nichi production was sourced with the collaboration of Senkin Sake Brewery in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture.
The literal translation of Kame no O is ‘Turtle tail’ and according to Japanese traditional beliefs turtles are symbols of good luck, longevity and support. If you look at the label of this sake you will be able to see a small lucky turtle depicted beneath the kanji for Nichi Nichi. This sake opens with a supple, rounded mouthful of papaya, golden peach, basil and mint highlights with umami, grapefruit tartness and textural acidity adding a definite full-stop to the sake. More layered complexity is evident with this sake and it’s definitely one for sake rice connoisseurs to enjoy.
- Brewery: NICHI NICHI SAKE BREWERY
- Region: Kyoto
- Classification: Junmai Kimoto
- %ALC/VOL: 13%
- Net Volume: 720ml
- Rice: Kame no O grown in Tochigi
- Rice Polishing Ratio: Undisclosed
- SMV (Sake Meter Value): Undisclosed
- Serve: Cold
- Matching Food: Chawanmushi; Cooked Seafood; Grilled Fish; Chicken with a Cream-Based Sauce; Rich Fish Sushi, e.g. Fatty Tuna, Katsuo, Bonito.