Today was Tanabata, the Star Festival. It makes me want to gaze up at the easternnight sky searching for the two stars of the Summer Triangle, the Weaver Star(Vega) and the Cowherd Star (Altair). The night for the star watching is as ifit could gently embrace our wishes.
For this occasion, I selected a sake that perfectly suits the season: “Nana-hoshi (SevenStars)”, Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Nama Genshu, Limited Sake brewed by Fuji Shuzoin Oyama, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The name is inspired by the Big Dipper, a constellation that shines in the northern summer night sky. 🌌⭐️
FujiShuzo is a long-established brewery founded in 1778. It is well-known under the Eiko Fuji brand. Since the mid-Edo period,the Oyama district of Tsuruoka City, where the brewery is located, has been atthe heart of the Shonai Plain, a renowned rice-growing region. Sake breweingflourished there as well, earning the name “Oyama Sake.” At its peak, there were morethan 40 breweries in the area; today, four remain, carrying on the craft.
This sake, “Nana-hoshi” centers on two key elements: “Dewanosato” sake rice (bred inYamagata Prefecture in 2004 by crossing the material “Dewasansan” and paternal “Ginfubuki”barieties), and Yamagata yeast (Yamagata KA yeast), which produces an elegantginjo aroma. As part of the “STARS” series, you can enjoy the concept of afruity junmai daiginjo finished as an unfiltered, unpasteurized raw sake. It'sthe first release of this year's limited-edition, summer sake series “STARS”.
Nana-hoshi (Seven Stars) Junmai Daiginjo, Unfiltered, Nama Genshu, Limited Sakee
Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice Koji (domestic)
Rice Used: 100% Dewanosato (Yamagata Prefecture)
Polishing Ratio: 50%
Alcohol Content: 15.7%
Sake Meter Value (SMV / Nihonshudo): -11
Acidity: 1.6
Amino Acid Level: 0.9
📒 Tasting Notes📒
Appearance:Transparent, crystal-clearAroma:Fresh fruit notes of pineapple, pear, and lychee, alongside subtle rice-derivednotes of shiratama (rice dumplings), mochi, and rice flour.Taste:Juicy fruit flavors of pineapple, pear, and lychee unfold with gentle sweetnessand refreshing acidity. Smooth on the palate, with a light and cooling finishthat passes quickly yet elegantly.
Enjoythe sake to pair with such as:
・Simply steamed-grilled corn concentrated natural sweetness resonates with the fruity character of the sake. 🌽
・Chilled tomatoes with sesame oil dressing - The tomato’s brightacidity and the richness of sesame oil highlight the sake’s sweet-and-tart balance, creating a refreshing harmony.
・Chilled tomatoes dressed with tosazu vinegar - The subtle acidity oftosazu vinegar and the umami from the bonito flakes add depth, which is perfectfor a summer Japanese table. 🍅🍶
✨ A Summer Toast beneaththe stars ✨
As its name suggests, “Nana-hoshi” is a sake that makes you want to drink whilelooking up at the summer night sky. The refreshing taste is perfect for atranquil evening, offering a relaxing experience. 🥂⭐️✨