Tsuchida Shuzo, Gunma
Reviewed in H1 2023

Don't cellar it, drink it soon
TOCKY's report
Numata's report
Jikon Yanase
91
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Kokuryu Hiirazu
86
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Tenbi Aiyama from Banshu, Hyogo
85
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Hiroki Junmai Ginjo Aiyama nama (unpasteurised)
85
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Among the closest shapes (at most one axis off by one step), ordered by score. Re-reviews of the same sake are excluded and each brewery appears once. Where fewer than four qualify, the next closest shapes fill the gap.
From the Tsuchida series by Tsuchida Shuzo, the Gunma brewery devoted to natural brewing methods, here's Kassei Nigori Nama — the brewery's only nama (unpasteurized) sake. Tsuchida Shuzo usually recommends room-temperature storage, but this is the one bottle that needs to stay refrigerated. Even stirred up with its lees, the taste is surprisingly clean. A fruity sweetness and milkiness sit alongside a bitterness that leans in gently. With the fizz of its kassei nigori (actively fermenting, cloudy sake) on top, it's the perfect bottle for right before things get started.