Takagi Shuzo, Yamagata
Reviewed in H2 2024

Opposing flavours warp space and time
TOCKY's report
Numata's report
Juyondai Ryugetsu
96
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Nomin Geijutsu Gairon 2022
92
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Ine to Agave Koshu Hanakaze Choshin Kafu
90
Close · 4 of 5 axes match
Hanaabi Miyamanishiki
89
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 legendary Juyondai, here's a bottle made from the very finest Yamadanishiki from Hyogo's Special A district, milled down to 35% and further narrowed to just the nakadori (middle cut), the tastiest part of the batch alone. The pinnacle of Chotokusen. A complex bouquet of yellow peach and La France pear fruitiness, a mellow vanilla, and a faint caramel and roasted-nut fragrance. Rich sweetness and umami are joined by a refreshing acidity, showing off a wonderful harmony.