The nose on this sake that has a name that looks and sounds like a Belgian Beer is a slick collection of Asian pear, daikon, tangerine, peppercorn, melon, lychee, white peach, and cotton candy aromas. This Kyoto brewery (founded in 1777) was one of the first breweries to brew sake again using table or consumption rice! Huh? Yes, when the industry created specific sake brewing rice most breweries pivoted to the newer and smarter rice varieties. But Shirasugi liked the flavor of “eating rice” to make their sake, so they bucked the trend and made sake using local Kyoto consumption rice. Full-bodied, crisp, spritzy, bright, juicy but water-like, this brew has an elevated acidity that speaks to wine drinkers and possesses a quick dry finish. Look for apple, pear, lemon candy, peach preserves, orange juice, kiwi, and Asian pear flavors with a fun and unique Pop Rocks finish. Shirasugi is a trailblazer in the sake industry going in both directions paying homage to the past and blasting flavors to the future. WORD: Peach WINE: Crisp Reds/Zesty Whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, shellfish galore, oysters, Yakitori, izakaya fare, comfort foods, cheese plates, salumi selections, and pub food.
