Chiyomusubi Junmai Daiginjo Goriki 50 (千代むすび 純米大吟醸 強力50)

Chiyomusubi Shuzo is a historic brewery located in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, famous as the hometown of Japanese yokai. Their flagship regular sake, 'Goriki 50,' was elegantly renewed from a Junmai Ginjo to a 'Junmai Daiginjo' classification in February 2025. It is brewed by milling 'Goriki,' a legendary local sake rice of Tottori that had vanished after the war and was revived through relentless effort, down to 50%. Its exceptional quality and regional representation were recognized when it was selected to be served on the Japanese government aircraft during the Prime Minister's visit to the US in early 2025. According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with the gorgeous aromas of pineapple and elegant citrus that delightfully rise from the glass. Upon a soft sip, based on the brewery's philosophy of 'Nojun Karakuchi' (rich and dry), the deep and round umami unique to Goriki rice affectionately blooms in the mouth. The soft acidity around 1.6 refreshingly embraces the volume of the rice that might otherwise feel heavy, beautifully concluding with an ultra-dry finish along a crisp line. Leaving a juicy fruity nuance while gently cleansing the palate, it is a lovely sake that creates a wonderful harmony with food from the beginning to the end of a meal.

Chiyomusubi Junmai Daiginjo Goriki 50 features delicate fruity aromas and a clean mineral profile. To enhance the characteristics of this sake, I recommend the following pairings: 1. Assorted Sashimi: The fresh flavors of seafood pair perfectly with the sake's clean mineral profile. The delicate flavor of white fish, in particular, complements the sake's subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. The freshness of the sashimi combines with the sake's refreshing acidity to cleanse the palate. 2. Steamed Snow Crab or Tuna Sashimi: The deep umami of Goriki rice creates a wonderful harmony with the abundant amino acids found in Tottori's specialties like snow crab and tuna, while the ultra-dry, refreshing finish gently cleanses the fishiness of seafood, making the next bite even more enjoyable.