Gekkeikan Black & Gold Sake (75cl, 15.6%)

Gekkeikan Black & Gold Sake is a semi-dry junmai-shu blend brewed in Folsom, California. The brewmaster selects the best of each fermentation from the brewery's Traditional junmai and Haiku Premium lines, merging them into a single, fuller-bodied sake. It is made from Calrose rice grown in the Sacramento Valley, milled to 60% and 70% seimaibuai depending on the component sake, with no distilled alcohol added. The blend draws a parallel to blended whiskey, combining the earthier body of Traditional junmai with the more refined, aromatic Haiku Premium. The nose opens with fresh honeydew melon, ripe papaya and a subtle thread of anise, rounded by lightly toasted almonds. The palate is soft and slightly sweet, with melon and kiwi, fuller-bodied papaya and lime peel, and roasted nuts. The finish is long and smooth, with toasted almond and faint citrus brightness.