In celebration of the Lunar New Year, we decided to do Asia for our January tasting. Yes, Asia. Yes, I know that Asia is not a single country. This was all about easy access to the thing that most screams "Asian alcohol"-- SAKE! (And plum wine.) So, after we had our fill of delicious food, we began.
However... we ran into a little bit of a predicament. Sure, we can pretend that regular wine ratings work for the plum wines, but how do we rate sake? A quick trip to the internet gave us our answer. I found eSake's guide to be the most comprehensive and easy to follow; the following variables and descriptions were snagged from their website.
- fragrance (1=none, 5=prominent fragrance)
- impact (1=quiet, 5=explosive)
- sweetness (1=sweet, 5=dry)
- acidity (1=soft, 5=puckering)
- presence (1=unassuming, 5=full)
- earthiness (1=delicate, 5=heavy)
- tail (1=quick, 5=pervasive)
A. Momokawa Silver Junmai Ginjo Sake - (more info)
Fragrance: 1.8
Impact: 1.4
Sweet/Dry: 3
Acidity: 1
Presence: 2
Earthiness: 2
Tail: 2.4
Comments: Floral and fruity fragrance, refreshing, watery, clean, not overpowering. "Like vodka spraypaint." (But subtle!)
B. Kizakura Carbonated Nigori Sake - (more info)
Fragrance: 1
Impact: 1.758
Sweet/Dry: 2.5
Acidity: 1
Presence: 1.8
Earthiness: 1.5
Tail: 2
Comments: Hits sweet, finishes dry. Fizzy, very mild. "Really enjoyed it."
Everyone's favorite sake, I think.
C. Gekkeikan Horin Sake - (more info)
Fragrance: 3.7
Impact: 4
Sweet/Dry: 4
Acidity: 3.5
Presence: 4
Earthiness: 3
Tail: 4
Comments: "I feel like it bitch-slapped me." Definitely not a beginner's sake, or for those looking for something mild. Regardless, good flavor.
D. Gekkeikan Kobai Plum Wine - (more info)
Appearance: whiskey, apple juice, thin and golden
Nose: 4
Intensity: 3
Balance: 2
Complexity: 2
Finish: 4
Comments: Apple juicy with an aroma of amaretto. "Oh damn!"
Ashley's favorite
E. Fuki Plum Wine - (more info)
Appearance: thin simple syrup, thick water
Nose: 4
Intensity: 2.4
Balance: 2.78
Complexity: 2.86
Finish: 4
Comments: Cherry, delicious, "yum," "good," easy to drink
And now for something completely different:
F. Naylor Red Raspberry Wine - (more info on the vineyard)
Appearance: very red, cranberry juice
Nose: 2.4
Intensity: 1.7
Balance: 2
Complexity: 2
Finish: 3
Comments: Crisp, tart with an earthy aroma, "like eating a raspberry off a wild bush."
Jen's favorite
G. Naylor Intimacy Ice Wine 2007 - (see above for info)
Appearance: yellow, wine-ish
Nose: 2.7
Intensity: 1
Balance: 2
Complexity: 3
Finish: 4.6
Comments: Honey aftertaste, marshmallow-y and then honey.
