Basic info 

Brand: KIRIN-ZAN 

Type of sake: Junmai Ginjo

Seimai Buai:  Rice milled to 55 %

Alcohol: 15-16% by volume 

Size & UPC:   1.8L, 6-pack  844650025095

720 ml, 6-pack 844650025071 

 

Producer 

Name:  Kirinzan Shuzo   Founded: 1843

Location:	46 Tsugawa, Aga-cho, Higashi-kanbara-gun,   Niigata 959-4402, Japan
Website:	www.niigatasake.com                                                th

President: Shuntaro Saito – the 7 generation of the owner/founding family

Toji (Master Brewer):  Yoshiaki Hasegawa

 

Ingredients & tech data 

Rice:  Gohyaku-man-goku

Water: soft water  

Yeast:  G9NF

Nihonshu-do (SMV):  +4  Acidity:  1.3        Amino acids:  1.2 No sulfites. No preservatives.

 

Other info

Serving temp. : Serve chilled, at room temp. or luke-warm.

Tasting Notes:  The forward floral nose, creamy and nutty with mushroom, lemon, herbal notes, this Sake has multiple layers of flavor, buttery, lemony, rich on palace, smooth and pleasant umami.

Food pairing:   

Braised pork belly (Buta no kakuni), Stuffed clams, Stuffed mushrooms, Sole meuniere,

Buttery Salisbury steak, Pasta Bolognese 

Champignons Sauvages au Madere – Umami-rich dish of wild mushrooms, sweet shallots and Madeira needs an equal umami-rich Sake with rich layered flavors.  

Saffron-based Paella – With its floral, spicy shellfish and saffron flavors, the paella is a ricebased star which needs a strong flavored complex Sake with richness on aromatics and yet soft on the palate. The Junmai Ginjo has the complexity to stand up to the multiple layers of spice and earthy flavors of the dish, and still be satisfyingly approachable on the palate. 

 

Kirinzan Shuzo is located near Mt. Kirin (= Kirin-zan) in Tsugawa where beautiful rivers run through. Kirin, a mythical creature much like a flying unicorn, is believed to bring about happiness.  The producer won gold medals at Japan National Sake Competition in 2016, 2014, 2012, 2009, etc.