Raifuku Junmai Ginjo Aiyama (来福 純米吟醸 愛山)

Raifuku Shuzo, founded in 1716 in Chikusei, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a beloved brewery with a cheerful name meaning "fortune comes," cherished for over 300 years. The most beautiful characteristic of this brewery is its use of various 'Flower Yeasts (Hana Kobo),' isolated from natural flowers by the Tokyo University of Agriculture. Among their offerings, 'Raifuku Junmai Ginjo Aiyama' is a highly popular flagship lineup. It is crafted by milling Aiyama—a sake rice famous for its mesmerizing sweetness but known to be difficult to handle—down to 50% and combining it with flower yeast, such as that from the climbing rose. According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with gorgeous and fascinating aromas reminiscent of melon and subtle roses, tenderly blooming like the climbing rose's floral language, "always beautiful." Upon a soft sip, the plump and juicy sweetness typical of Aiyama rice elegantly fills the mouth. The potentially heavy, deep sweetness is refreshingly embraced by the neat framework created by the 1.3 soft acidity and +4.0 SMV. Leaving a delicate lingering finish of fruit and flowers while cleanly cleansing the palate, it is a lovely sake that allows you to smile and drink comfortably from the beginning to the end of a meal.

Raihuku Junmai Ginjo Aiyama is characterized by its delicate sweetness, subtle floral aroma, and clean mineral flavor. Considering these characteristics, I recommend the following food pairings: 1. Sea Bream Clear Steamed Dish: The light and clean taste of sea bream pairs well with Aiyama's clean mineral profile. The subtle herbal aroma used in the steamed dish enhances the sake's elegant floral aroma, and the soft texture of the sea bream harmonizes with the sake's smooth mouthfeel. 2. Strawberry Mochi: The subtle strawberry aroma of Aiyama harmonizes delicately with the sweetness of the strawberry mochi. The soft texture of the mochi is similar to the sake's smooth texture, and the subtle sweetness of the red bean paste complements Aiyama's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor.