Saké Sunday: UNLVino & Banzai Beverage Corp.

The second Saké table I visited was manned by representatives from Banzai Beverage Group. They are the ones who also ran the Sparkling Saké table at Bubble-Licious. Though they had the Sparkling Saké available again, they also had a few non-Sparkling varieties available as well.

I first tasted the Hakurakusei "Legend of Stars" Junmai Daiginjo ($50-60). This Saké is brewed by Niizawa Saké Brewing Co. from the Miyagi region of Japan (no relation to Mr. Miyagi of "The Karate Kid"). They used Yamadanishiki rice. 60% of the rice grain was polished away and its has a SMV of +5, making it dry. This was a nice Saké, more floral than fruity, with some interesting herbal flavors as well.

Next, I tried the Jokigen "Happiness" Junmai Ginjo (about $25-30). This Saké is brewed by Sakata Brewery Co. from the Yamagata region of Japan. They used Oyamanishiki rice. 45% of the rice grain was polished away and its has a SMV of +4, making it dry. This Saké had a fruty nose, melon, lychee and other tropical fruits. Those fruit flavors came out on the palate as well. A very smooth, easy-drinking Saké that is sure to please most everyone. This would certainly be a good choice for someone new to Saké. It shows some of the potential complexity of Saké with the myriad of fruit flavors.

Finally, I tried the Miyanoyuki "Snow Shrine" Junmai Ginjo ($12 for 300ml). This Saké is brewed by Miyazaki Honten Co. from the Shiga region of Japan. This is a pleasant Saké, smooth and flavorful, but I did not think it was anything special. It was an average Saké, worth drinking but it probably won't impress a Saké fan. Though it would be a very good entry level Saké for someone new to Saké. And at this price, it is a good value.