Dewasansan (Sake)

Unlike wine grapes, it is not as easy to taste the difference between rice strains that are used to produce sake. There are several types of rice used to produce sake with each variety yielding a specific flavor profile. Dewasansan rice is different from its genetic parent Omachi, or the most popular sake rice, Yamada Nishiki. Dewasansan makes three junmai ginjos that are similar in style. These vary only because of the rice. Dewasansan is one of the most creative sake breweries in Japan and has been around for more than a century. Intensely floral, some Dewasansan feature aromas of pencil lead, paint and steel, and although that does not sound very appetizing, the complexity of the blend is the strength. On the palate, you will get a flowery taste at first that evolves into golden apple, graphite, yellow plum, and pear. The finish that results is creamy and smooth with a soft landing after an intensely wild ride. Dewasansan stands up to most meat dishes, especially grilled chicken and roasted pork. It is also excellent with flavorful fish like salmon and mackerel. Try Dewasansan as an alternative to choucroute or Alsatian white wine. Wine lovers will find the texture of Dewasansan similar to white wine as it retains the richness of the sake.