One of the three bottles from the “Traditional Colours of Japan” series.

Ai is the flagship sake of the Yamagata Masamune brand. The rich rice umami, the sharp finish, and the mineral taste all come from the traditional kimoto (or kimoto-zukuri) method to prepare the fermentation starter. The aroma is gentler than an average junmai daiginjo, making this sake easier to enjoy at different temperatures and to pair with different foods. The rice used is of the Omachi variety, and has been farmed by Mr Iwafuji Hidehiko in the Akasaka area of Akaiwa (Okayama prefecture): it took the brewery 5 years to manage to purchase this top-quality rice.

TYPE: Kimoto junmai daiginjo sake

COLOUR: Clear pale lemon green

OUR TASTING NOTES: Inviting nose of stone fruits, white lilies, and hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Incredibly smooth texture, subtle yet concentrated flavours of nectarine, prune and mangosteen. Eternal long finish with complexity and clarity. Beautiful expression of a kimoto sake.

FOOD PAIRING: Wagyu shabu shabu (thin slices quickly simmered in hot water); papaya salad; grilled gambero rosso.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve chilled (8-12 ºC)

STORAGE: Store in a dry and cool place. Avoid direct sunlight.

Japanese name: 山形正宗 藍
Brewery: Mitobe Sake Brewery (Yamagata prefecture)
Size: 720 ml
ABV: 16%
Rice polishing rate: 40%
Ingredients: water, Omachi rice (Akaiwa, Okayama), koji, yeast