Other than the regular “brews” that appear on the shelves all year round, there are seasonal examples that appear only once a year for a limited period of time.

Seasonal Saké are released only 3 times a year, during Spring, Summer and Autumn, and most of them tend to be un-pasteurised (Draft/Nama), thus giving them a certain freshness, and fragility.  These Saké require refrigeration, otherwise, their fresh flavours will fade, and flatness develops.

In this post we look at 3 examples of the 2008 Natsu-no-Namazake or Summer Released Draft Sake available in Singapore.

Urakasumi Junmai Namazake

Urakasumi Junmai Namazake
– Miyagi Prefecture

Displaying exuberant aromas of white flowers, and ripe red apples.  Dry, with good freshness on the palate, with a medium body, and a very clean finish.

Drink nicely chilled, with Japanese Cherry Tomatoes, or Tsukemono Moriawase (assorted pickles).

Mineno Hakubai Syakubito Honjozo Namazake

Mineno Hakubai “Syakubito” Honjozo Namazake
– Niigata Prefecture

Layered nose of rice, white flowers and spicy shiso sprouts.
Dry, with white pepper notes on the mid-palate.  Fresh, yet round and rich with quite a full body, and some alcohol heat, with the same spicy white pepper echoing on the finish.

Drink chilled with a Baked Sockeye Salmon Fillet, or any other grilled oily fish with a strong flavour.

Ichinokura "Hyakkoi" Tokubetsu Junmai Namazake

Ichinokura “Hyakkoi” Tokubetsu Junmai Namazake
– Miyagi Prefecture

Light notes of melon and apples on the nose, with just a hint of rice.
Dry, with almost sweet fruit notes and a bold freshness.  Quite rich and full-bodied, a really smooth texture, and finishes with a clean, slightly fresh aftertaste.

Drink well chilled with a Braised Veal Osso Bucco, or a hearty Pork Belly Stew.