Sho Chiku Bai Junmai Sake (18cl, 15%)

Sho Chiku Bai is a junmai sake brewed by Takara Sake USA Inc. in Berkeley, California, in a 18cl single-serve bottle at 15%. Junmai means it is made only from polished rice, water, koji and yeast, with no distilled alcohol added. The brewery uses Calrose rice polished to 70% and Sierra Nevada snowmelt for its water. The nose is delicate, with macadamia nut, a hint of cardamom and nutmeg, vanilla and fresh bread. The palate opens with pale sweetness but leans dry. Served at room temperature it shows mineral notes, sourdough, custard and green apple. Warmed, it turns savoury, with salted custard, cocoa nib and banana bread. The finish is moderate, with toasted nut and mineral notes.