It's not just information such as data that is important for determining the sake you want to drink. Here, we introduce how to choose without relying on knowledge.
Recommendation of "Jake purchase"
To buy CDs, records, DVDs, books, etc., even if you don't know the contents, is attracted to the design of the cover intuitively. Even for sake, this “Jake buying” is one of the recommended methods.
Recently, the quality of sake is getting better, but at the same time, the number of sake with a unique design that sticks to the label is increasing. Some breweries have their own designers.
From unique designs that make you laugh unintentionally, things that are stylish like wine, even those that feature Moe characters and those that collaborate with animation,It ’s a modern Japanese sake that ’s really a hundred flowers..
“Jake buying” is fun for both sake beginners who do n’t know which sake to choose, and for sake fans seeking new encounters.. You can choose with a sense of fun while imagining the taste, so it is very exciting. When I drink it and it tastes exactly as I expected, I want to praise myself as "I'm amazing!"
Here are some breweries that are particularly particular about label design.
・ Miyoshi chrysanthemum brewing (Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture)
Miyoshi Kikuzo has a policy of “label design is a message”. "Eh! Is this sake?"A sake brewery famous for its innovative design with a completely different taste from traditional sake.
What is cute and cool and personally favorite isGuitar label series. Kuramoto himself loves music so much that the design of girls with guitars such as “Rickenbacker”, “Gibson Les Paul” and “Fender Stratocaster” was an impact that overturned the concept of sake.
The series of illustrations of Ayane, the eldest daughter of the 3 sisters of Kuramoto, Orie, the second daughter, and Koharu, the third daughter, is also a little moe character and cute. .
By the way,There is also a “One Cup Miyoshi chrysanthemum” that you can enjoy as if you are enjoying it as a tasting..
・ Fuji Shuzo (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Fujii Sake Brewery, which brews “Glory Fuji”, is the one I buy most.
When I was looking at a corner shop that I sometimes visit, I picked it up at a glance.`` ZEBRA (Zebra) Junmai Daiginjo Unfiltered Raw Sake ''.
The design of a black and white zebra with a dawn will never be forgotten once you see it. Another thing I really like is"SURVIVAL (survival) pure rice Daiginjo unfiltered raw sake".
As the name of “Survival”, the camouflage label is really wild and cool.I think it ’s a good gift for men.
・ Shiraito Brewery (Miyazu City, Kyoto)
Shiraito Sake Brewery, a well-established sake brewery, is famous throughout Japan for collaboration sake with anime.. The teenage Miho Miyazaki started with the idea of “I want to challenge a new form of sake!”
The first is a collaboration with the Armored Trooper Votoms released in 2013`` Minimum bastard (bottoms) ''. Sake, which has no illustrations and was written only in black letters on a white label, was a hot topic.
Later, tie-up with old and new animation works such as “Ghost in the Shell”, “Berserk”, “Yowamushi Pedal”, “Kuroko's Basketball”.
Shiraito Sake Brewery, a product with labels that are irresistible for anime enthusiasts, will keep an eye on which works will collaborate next time.
"Ari" is the choice for naming
Choosing by brand “name” also has a strong entertainment element and is recommended for beginners.
There are a lot of names that are really unique now, so I can't write them here, but here are some of my favorites.
・ `` Shinigami '' Kamo Fuku Sake Brewery (Shonan Town, Kuchi-gun, Shimane)
According to Kuramoto,"Sake with a bad name in Japan". It was born about a dry boom about 20 years ago.
This liquor was born from the idea that it would be interesting to make liquor that is the opposite of fashion. The taste is a pure rice sake with a mellow taste that is the exact opposite of dryness.
The name is the opposite of the congratulatory image,Kuramoto's favorite story of rakugo “Shingami”It seems to.A label with a terrible font and simply written `` Shinigami '' has a strong impact.
By the way, there is also a version called “Ura Shinigami”, which has an impressive label written in reverse letters, which is doubled as eerie.
・ `` Glasses exclusive '' Kanno Brewery (Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture)
“Sake for glasses with glasses, with glasses” is the concept of this sake.
Eight of the brewers are all wearing glasses, and the 10 month 1 day of “Sake Day” is also “Glasses Day”It seems that Yohei Sato of Kuramoto came up with.
The labelTreats the mark “Landolt ring” like the alphabet C used for eyesight testingFull of playfulness.
It is a popular product that gets a lot of attention in the blink of an eye as soon as it enters the world and sells out as soon as it is sold.
・ `` Fukuhisa Sea Climate (Seafood) '' Imada Sake Brewery (Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
When I first saw Kanji, I didn't know how to read it.
The local brewery is a treasure trove of seafood including oysters. It was made to have you eat delicious seafood brought up by the local sea.
It is brewed with white birch that produces a lot of citric acid, and it does not collect the refreshing sourness reminiscent of citrus such as lemon..
Acidity is higher than general sakeSo it is a very beautiful liquor that can be enjoyed as a white wine.
・ `` 8: 00pm '' Fukumitsuya (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture)
“I want to deliver adult fun from 8 in the afternoon”A gem that was named after that thought.
There seems to be a desire to get close to the younger generation who has just grown up.
・ "Taxi Driver" Kikuzakari Sake Brewery (Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture)
If you are a movie enthusiast, this name may quickly come to you.
An American movie released in 1976, directed by Martin Scorsese. The leading actor was Robert De Niro. Jodie Foster's role as a prostitute Iris at 13 was also a big topicSake named after the masterpiece "Taxi Driver".
The label is reminiscent of an old movie poster,A yellow and black checkered pattern that resembles a yellow cab in the face of Deniro's face is sandwiched. Known as “Takudora”.
・ "Sonemi" Kikuzakari Sake Brewery (Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture) & "Netami" Miyoshi Kiku Sake Brewery (Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture)
The collaboration sake of Kikumori Sake Brewery and Miyoshi Kiku Sake Brewery"Envy" and "Envy". That's right, it's “嫉妬”.
These drinks with intense naming2 sake breweries full of individuality were created by replacing the yeast used. 2 book that you will definitely want to drink in a set.
I found it at a bar where I went with a sake mate, and of course I did. It is a powerful sake that is also great for excitement.
■ You can imagine the general tendency from the color of the bottle! ?
The color of the bottle is actually a hint to imagine the taste from the outside.“The color of the bottle is chosen based on taste and image”There are so many sake breweries that clearly state that this is an important source of information.
In general sake bottles, dark brown or green are often used to protect alcohol from UV rays. However, nowadays, I can see transparent bottles.
It is said that it is difficult to keep quality because it transmits ultraviolet rays if it is transparent.In many cases, nigari liquor uses a transparent bottle to show the color of the liquor..
In addition, For those who want to impress a refreshing feeling such as summer sake, you can also use a light blue bottle.
For expensive Junmai Daiginjo,Black bottles are also used to create a luxury feel. There are two types of black bottles: a glossy type and a frosted type frosted bottle.
By the way, the black bottle is actually expensive, and the frost bottle is more expensive than the glossy type.
Recently, it seems that the number of sake breweries that are coordinating with the 3 points of bottles, labels, and designs is increasing.. I'm glad that you can enjoy SNS shine as more and more stylish sake comes out.
■ Super easy! You can choose pinpoint, and there is no failure with Japanese sake specializing in food!
When you know what you want to eat,Recommended because it is easy and reliable to choose a pinpoint brand.
In fact, in recent years, many sake breweries have been sending alcohol to match specific foods one after another. I'll introduce them by food type.
~ Meat ~
・ Yakitori
`` 94 '' Tamanokko Brewery (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
I want to make a perfect sake for yakitori, a classic snack! Liquor that started development from that.
However, development is difficult because there are inevitably differences in how to taste and perceive compatibility. Therefore, seeking an objective judgment of a third party,Leo, a taste sensor equipped with AI (artificial intelligence)We were able to achieve the ultimate compatibility with yakitori.
Of course, it goes well with salty yakitori, but the pairing with sauce is especially great. When you eat it with a sauce-flavored yakitori, it seems that the compatibility is a surprising number of 97.8%. AI, which continues to evolve, has now entered the world of sake.
・ Bone with chicken
`` Sanuki Kurodai '' Kawazuru Sake Brewery (Kannonji City, Kagawa Prefecture)
Bone chicken is a popular local gourmet in Kagawa Prefecture. Boiled chicken thighs are seasoned with salt pepper, garlic, spices and baked.
“Saiki Kurady” was developed with the aim of making this sake with a spicy taste. As you can imagine from the name “Kura Udi”, it is cloudy and creamy.
It ’s also sweet and sour like a lactic acid drink.A major feature of this liquor is that it has an “adult Calpis” taste..
The secret is the usual amount of 3 times. Moreover, because it uses white koji mold for shochu, it has plenty of citric acid.Alcohol content is as low as 6%, which is much easier to drink than ordinary sake.So even people who are not very liquor will go forward.
Besides chickens with bones, the compatibility with chicken dishes is perfect. It goes well with chicken and cartilage. By the way,The recommended way to drink is on the rockIt seems to be. The taste changes to seven colors when ice is added. Please try it!
·beef steak
`` COWBOY YAMAHAI '' Shiokawa Sake Brewery (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture)
This liquor was named “Cowboy Yamahai” because it tastes good for meat dishes and means to open up the American market. His name is Bo Timken, who opened the first local sake store in the United States.
The reason why this liquor suits meat is“Sour taste” with plenty of presence, derived from the mountain waste preparation, and “Umami”, soft and refreshing.
Served with steak with lemon or wasabi in a grilled salt or garlic sauceIt seems to be the best.
・ Gibier
Gibier is a French word for natural wildlife obtained from hunting.
Wild meats such as wild boars, deer, hares, wild pigeons, mallards, and pheasants that flew freely in the mountains are low in fat and nutritious. In recent years, it has become popular in Japan.
Here are two types of Japanese sake that focus on Gibier cuisine.
① "Mutemuka gibier" (Shimanto-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi)
Shimanto River, also called Japan's last clear stream. In Shimanto Town, located in the mountainous area of the middle basin, Gibier hunting has been active since ancient times.
A liquor that is strong in the richness of wild juice and fat, strong and dark, and has a moderate acidity..
② Junmai Ginjo Gibier Umenojuku Sake Brewery (Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture)
A liquor with a rich and deep taste and a powerful acidityAnd the good compatibility with Gibier cuisine.
It can be delicious at room temperature or cold,If you make rice cake, GOOD!
~ Seafood ~
·mackerel
Saba-dedicated sake "SABA de SHU" Yoshikubo Sake Brewery (Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
There is a sake breweryIbaraki Prefecture has the highest landing of mackerel in Japan. It is a mackerel powerhouse that accounts for 25.7% of the domestic market share.Born to want you to taste it with the mackerelThat's why this "Sabadesh".
I actually tried to match it, but I was impressed by the fact that it brought out the umami while suppressing the distinctive odor of mackerel.
By the way, the label contains a little fishy comment that says “please enjoy with rice cakes, shochu, simmered boiled fish and various mackerel dishes”. I'm confused somehow.
・ Saury
`` Koshiji-no-koume with sword fish '' Kubiki Sake Brewery (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)
One of the charms is the umami that can not be defeated by the taste of the seasoned sword fish with plenty of fat, rich mouthfeel and rich fragrance, and a crisp taste with a sour taste.
Limited time from late 8 to the end of 11It is sold at
·oyster
"Sake for IMA (IAM) oysters" Imashiji Sake Brewery (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture)
A Japanese sake that was established by a long-established brewery in 250 over the 3 years and would like to have with oysters.
Sweet and sour and juicy reminiscent of white wine suppresses the raw odor of oysters and brings out the umami.
Not only does it match the taste of oysters, but the malic acid contained in the liquor also helps ingesting the rich nutrients of oysters, also known as “sea milk”. By the way,It is also recommended to put on oystersIt is said that.
~ Other Japanese food ~
・ Fried chicken
`` Maizuru drum crane and fried deep-fried brewing '' Onda Sake Brewery (Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture)
This liquor was born at the request of a Niigata liquor store saying "I want you to make a liquor that matches local food.".
Speaking of Nagaoka City's famous products"Fried Tochio". It is a jumbo size and thick fried chicken that is characterized by a certain size that is 3 times normal and is often mistaken for "thick fried".
It is recommended to use “cold liquor” when baking, soy sauce, and soy sauce, and “sake” when eating with onions and natto sandwiched between fried chicken.
·Udon
`` Pure rice that fits with Jinling udon '' Nishino Kinryo (Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa Prefecture)
Udon production and consumption are sakes only in Kagawa, the best udon prefecture in Japan.
The combination of "Soba x Sake" is popular,"Udon x Sake"This combination was a fresh surprise.
It has a calm scent and a firm taste, and it goes well well with the Sanuki Udon noodle soup stock at room temperature..
~ Sweets ~
·chocolate
"I LOVE CHOCO" Kanbai Shuzo (Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture)
A sake born for chocolate.
To propose a new way to enjoy sake,Planned and developed jointly by Kanme Shuzo and KURAND, which operates “KURAND SAKE MARKET”, which allows you to compare and drink about 100 types of sake, mainly Japanese sake..
Aged old liquor that has been laid down for about 10 years, featuring a whiskey-like fragranceis. Aged old sake and chocolate are known to be compatible, but this “I LOVE CHOCO” brings out the richness and mellowness that wraps around the flavor of chocolate.
Recommended temperatureAbout 40 ℃. By warming, you can enjoy a rich and plump taste like hot whiskey. Perfect for sweets girls.
·ice cream
`` Sake over Tatsuma Masamune Ice Cream '' Shiraki Tsunesuke Shop (Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture)
Aged old sake made with a novel concept of putting sake on ice.
In this brewery,He was born with the desire to convey this way of enjoying to more people because he was healed with iced sake when he was tired for some time..
It seemed that the process of trial and error continued to select from among the more than 110 types of old sake until it was decided which one to use.
If it is applied to a lacto-type vanilla ice cream at a low price, it will quickly turn into a luxury ice cream.The excellent thing. Some people are addicted to it once.
Let a liquor store tell you!
Choosing sake is very easy if there is a person who can help you.
It is a sake that is heavy and often bought online,When you go to a liquor store, it is recommended that you ask the person in the store to consultTo do.
After all,The liquor store is a professional professional. A great consultant and master who knows about sake.
Don't think too deeply about "I'm embarrassed that I don't even know this" or "What should I do if sold?"
You may hear not only about sake itself, but also valuable information that only professionals have and the insider story of the industry.