Mutsu Hassen Nouveau Jikagumi Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu (陸奥八仙 ヌーヴォー 直汲み 特別純米 生原酒)

Mutsu Hassen is the flagship brand of the historic Hachinohe Shuzo located in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, widely loved for its gorgeous and sweet fruity aromas. Released as a limited winter seasonal edition, this 'Nouveau Jikagumi' uses a method where freshly pressed sake is bottled directly as it flows from the press. By strictly minimizing contact with air to prevent oxidation, it perfectly preserves 100% of the explosive energy and freshness of the raw, undiluted sake brewed using Aomori rice milled to 55% for the koji and 60% for the kakemai. ​According to global enthusiasts and sommeliers, the charm of this sake begins with the sweet and gorgeous aromas of ripe melon and fresh pear that delightfully rise from the glass. Upon taking a soft sip, the pleasant, popping micro-carbonation typical of Jikagumi gently tickles the tip of the tongue, followed by the elegant blooming of a juicy sweetness around an SMV of -4 and the round umami of Aomori rice. The soft and refreshing 1.6 acidity tenderly embraces the 16% undiluted alcohol volume that might otherwise feel heavy, beautifully concluding with a clean finish and a subtle fruity lingering. It excellently stimulates the appetite as a brilliant aperitif and radiates an even more lovely charm when paired with a meal, making it an outstanding raw sake.

1. Assorted Sashimi (Soy Sauce & Wasabi): With its notes of fresh pear, subtle white flower, gentle sweetness from rice, and refreshing micro-carbonation, Mutsu Hassen Nouveau Jikagumi Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu pairs excellently with assorted sashimi. The saltiness of soy sauce and the pungency of wasabi accentuate the sake's umami, while its clean finish cuts through the richness of the sashimi. 2. Shrimp Tempura (Tentsuyu Dipping Sauce): With its ripe melon-like fruitiness and delicate umami, Mutsu Hassen Nouveau Jikagumi Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu makes a delightful companion to crispy shrimp tempura. The umami and subtle sweetness of tentsuyu enhance the sake's umami and sweetness, while the sake's fresh micro-carbonation refreshes the palate after each bite of tempura.