A business trip to Nagoya. Usually, my sake-loving colleagues would invite me to a great place, but this time, I was alone. So, I decided to take the opportunity to enjoy some sake in my hotel room.
I stopped by Takashimaya and, by chance, discovered a tasting event featuring sake from “Kozaemon,” a brewery in Gifu Prefecture. Of course, I had to try it!
A Fateful Encounter Through Tasting
Sake that pairs well with sushi, a five-year-aged koshu, a luxurious Junmai Daiginjo… I had the pleasure of tasting a variety of sake. As I shared my preferences, the staff seemed to understand my taste, and before I knew it, I had sampled almost all of their offerings. What a blissful experience!
Originally, I was looking for smaller bottles (180ml or 300ml), but after tasting so many, I thought, “Why not go for a 720ml bottle?” That’s how I ended up purchasing Kozaemon Junmai Ginjo Omachi Origarami Nama Sake.
A Gentle Sweetness and Lingering Aroma
This sake is made from Bizen Omachi rice from Okayama Prefecture, polished down to 55%, resulting in a Junmai Ginjo. Additionally, it is “origarami,” meaning that a small amount of rice sediment is left, giving it a cloudy appearance.
The moment I took a sip, a fruity and sweet aroma spread across my palate. A slight effervescence and a soft mouthfeel gave it a gentle impression. The richness from the origarami added a pleasant depth, leaving a lingering, satisfying aftertaste.
Enjoying a Moment of Sake in the Hotel Room
Back at the hotel, I requested a wine glass from the front desk. Pouring the sake, I admired its slightly hazy, elegant hue. This was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of work.
“It’s my first time buying a 720ml bottle just for myself… but I think I could get used to this.”
As I savored my drink, I enjoyed the quiet night in Nagoya.
Kozaemon Junmai Ginjo Omachi Origarami Nama Sake has a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile choice for pairing with food. It would pair especially well with white fish sashimi or light Japanese appetizers.
This sake made my trip even more memorable. I wonder what kind of sake I will discover next?
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