KENBISHI Kuromatsu Yamahai Futsu-shu Black Pine Sake - Bottle (90cl) 17%abv

Description

Kenbishi Kuromatsu “Black Pine” is a blend of 1-6 year-old aged sakes made from Toku A Yamada Nishiki and Aiyama rice, both Prefectural rice strains of Hyogo. This is a honjozo-style sake (easy drinking, food-friendly) but with additional, layered umami.

Pale yellow in colour (as you would expect from a blend with some aged components) Kenbishi Kuromatsu “Black Pine” presents with notes of steamed rice, soy, cooked apples, nuts, caramel and even some beef consumé (there’s that umami!). Smooth, medium-bodied with superb acidity that cuts through any fatty dishes; and a spiced, rich & well-balanced finish that seems to run forever.

Kenbishi’s way of making sake predates the modern classification system (est. 1992 cf Kenbishi est. 1505); thus, Kenbishi Kuromatsu “Black pine” is officially classified as a futsu-shu but only because one of the sakes, from the one of its blends, has a higher rice polishing ratio than 70% (i.e. 71%+) meaning it must be classified as futsu-shu (as it also has a little added brewer’s alcohol). In every other respect it is a honjozo.

Kenbishi Kuromatsu “Black Pine” is great with creamy cheeses (try burrata), hearty meat dishes, game, charcuterie (especially Jamón Ibérico) and tomato sauces. Of course, excellent warm.