Honda Shoten, Tatsuriki Junmai Daiginjo 20, Celebrate Yamada Nishiki 80th anniversary feat. Amaneya

Preface : 

2016 is 80th anniversary of Shuzo Kotekimai, Yamada Nishiki since 1936.

Therefore, fifth generation of Honda Shoten, Mr. Honda Ryusuke, rolls out this memorial activity including Junmai Daiginjo 20, Junmaishu 80, and Japanese confectionery made by Amaneya.

For the sake, 20 and 80 represents Seimaibuai respectively in Junmai Daiginjo and Junmaishu. Based on brewery's point of view, once the polishing rate of Yamada Nishiki gets more than 35%, there is no special taste difference. With personal perspective, I would like to agree this argument partially, since 35% polishing rate has most visibility in the annual Japanese sake competition in each May. However, there are more contributions than polishing rate over 35%, and I am going to discuss later in another article which is vintage.

In addition, there are some sake reaching polishing rate lower than 20% such as Tatenokawa with 18%, Raifu with 8%, and so on. Chocolates and cakes are also published by Korkuryu Shuzo, Sudohonke, and Dassai. This is commendable for Honda Ryusuke to have such market sense for change from traditional way. 

Experience :

Except classical Yamada Nishiki aroma including banana and pears, smells like apples, paddy, which is elegant, and full of complexity. There is no need to decant the sake, and enjoy it directly after opening bottle cap which is easier to deal with than formal Akitsu.

Taste is sharpness, each flavor performances well and sets off others for the excellent drama. Umami, acid, and the smell of rice go smoothly from 5 degree to room temperature. Without much alcohol over flow, the body is balance between each flavor, and the final rhyme seems strong just like traditional Tatsuriki style, but dress with more silk comforts. The only abrupt taste is the whole balance during middle stage. There comes a little bit sharpness of astringency and bitterness which interferes.

However, this kind of abrupt taste can be harmonized through vintage, and it's suggested to have taste year by year which distinct little difference.

Postscript :

Mr. Honda Ryusuke focus on Ryu Series originally, which includes red, black, and green dragon of Tatsuriki, and I would give normal evaluation of this series. However, he did a good job this time which presents a new items comparing to origin high-end product, Akitsu.

Although this 80th anniversary items is not going to be formal product, expectation to new generation of Honda Shoten will be possible and positive in the future!