Shichida Nanawarigobumigaki Junmai Yamadanishiki (七田 純米 七割五分磨き 山田錦)

'Shichida' is the flagship brand of Tenzan Sake Brewery, founded in 1875 in Ogi, Saga Prefecture, embodying the philosophy of 'Fueki Ryuko'—embracing new changes while never forgetting the unchanging essence. This '75% Polished Junmai' is a masterpiece crafted by deliberately not over-polishing Yamada Nishiki, the king of sake rice (polishing ratio of 75%), to maximize the immense natural power and umami of the grain. Depending on the season, it is released as a freshly pressed unfiltered raw sake (Muroka Nama) or an elegantly cold-aged pasteurized version (Hiire), both brimming with the vitality drawn from the clear waters of the Tenzan mountain range. According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with the plump aromas reminiscent of ripe banana, fresh lychee, and subtle vanilla that affectionately rise from the glass. Upon taking a soft sip, the deep and round umami characteristic of the 75% low polishing ratio elegantly blooms in the mouth, accompanied by the robust volume of its 17% undiluted ABV. (The raw version pleasantly awakens the tongue with micro-carbonation, while the aged version reveals a deeper sweetness of the rice.) The firm and refreshing acidity around 1.6 affectionately embraces this dense texture that might otherwise feel heavy, delivering a clean swallow along the dry lines of a +3 to +4 SMV. It is a lovely and dependable sake that shines even brighter when paired with richly flavored dishes like meat.

Seven DA Nana Warigobu Migaki Junmai Yamada Nishiki is distinguished by its rich fruity aroma and the umami of Yamada Nishiki rice. To enhance these qualities, I recommend the following pairings: 1. Eel Donburi (Unagi Don): The rich, oily flavor of eel coated in a sweet and savory sauce pairs harmoniously with the sake's subtle sweetness. The sake's clean finish cuts through the richness of the eel, cleansing the palate. 2. Mushroom Cream Risotto: The earthiness of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the risotto complement the banana and lychee aromas of the Seven DA. Additionally, the rich umami from the Yamada Nishiki rice enhances the overall depth of flavor of the risotto.