Winemaker Notes
The Hojo Biden Yamahai Junmai is a unique expression from a great Kyushu brewery, a bold sake designed to match the rich flavors of the local Fukuoka cuisine. Brewed a touch sweeter than a common sake, the off dry flavor is balanced by a stronger alcohol presence of 16-17% and higher than average acid from the yamahai brewing process. Aged for two years in bottle before release to allow the flavors to mellow and harmonize.
Sweetness and acid give it a depth and body to stand up to rich cuisine like grilled mackerel, miso marinated pork loin or spicy hot pot.
Since the categories of saké are established not by rice variety, but by their polishing or milling percentages, the saké with the lowest milling requirement, at no less than 30% milled, is simply called Junmai. This means that so that 70% of each rice grain remains. It is solely made of water, koji mold, yeast and rice. Junmai is also brewed in the absence of added alcohol. Some brewers, in search of other flavors, aromas and textures, will add a small amount of distilled alcohol during the brewing process. But the alcohol in any saké labeled Junmai will come purely from fermentation. Pair Junmai with rich flavors and heavily seasoned dishes like pork belly, teriyaki, smoked salmon and furikake.