Hakutsuru Nishiki Junmai Daiginjo (72cl, 15.5%)

Hakutsuru Nishiki Junmai Daiginjo is a Japanese sake from Nada in Hyogo Prefecture, brewed by Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., which has worked there since 1743. It is made from rice, rice koji and water only, with no added distilled alcohol, and bottled at 15.5% in a 72cl bottle. It uses Hakutsuru Nishiki, a rice the brewery developed over eight years by crossing Yamadaho and Tankan-Wataribune. The rice is polished to 50% of its original size. The nose is pear, apple, jasmine and orange blossom. The palate is velvety and juicy, with tropical fruit, rice umami and a dry bitter edge. The finish is long, with vanilla and florals.