Sakuragao Junmai Ginjo Ginga Tetsudo no Yoru (桜顔 純米吟醸 銀河鉄道の夜)

Sakuragao Shuzo, located in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, where pristine water and nature blend harmoniously, is a warm-hearted brewery named after the pleasantly flushed, cherry-blossom-colored face one gets while enjoying sake. This Junmai Ginjo was born with the motif of Night on the Galactic Railroad, the immortal masterpiece by Iwate's representative fairy tale author, Kenji Miyazawa. Inside a blue bottle reminiscent of the night sky, it is brewed by milling Iwate's proud sake rice, Gin Ginga, down to 50%, and uses the locally developed yeast Giovanni no Shirabe, named after the story's protagonist, fully capturing the region's lyrical essence. ​According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with the bright aromas of refreshing mint and faint melon that gently rise like the night air when poured. Upon a soft sip, moving past the smooth attack provided by the 50% polishing, the clear and elegant sweetness typical of Gin Ginga rice affectionately blooms in the mouth. The distinct yet refreshing 1.5 acidity gently embraces the rice's umami, twinkling like starlight so it doesn't become monotonous, and the lingering finish elegantly dissipates along the clean lines drawn by the SMV of +2. It is incredibly romantic to drink beautifully chilled while looking up at the Milky Way on a summer night, and it remains a lovely sake that affectionately supports the flavors of dishes when paired with a meal.

1. Deep-Fried Oysters: A popular dish in Japan, deep-fried oysters are characterized by the combination of crispy batter and soft oysters. The sake's subtle melon and white flower aromas enhance the fresh seafood flavor of the oysters, while the sake's refreshing acidity cuts through the greasiness of the frying. In particular, the unique minerality of oysters complements the sake's clean Gin Ginga umami, creating a rich harmony of flavors. 2. Sea Urchin Egg Custard: Chawanmushi, a Japanese-style steamed egg custard, is characterized by its soft texture and subtle umami flavor. The rich and sweet flavor of sea urchin complements the sake's subtle sweetness, creating a luxurious taste, while the sake's clean finish enhances the softness of the egg custard. In addition, the sake's delicate acidity balances the rich flavor of the sea urchin, leaving a clean finish.