Masumi Junmai Ginjo "Shiro Matinee"

With a lower alcohol content than most sakes (12%), “Shiro” is smooth and gentle, with sweetness and acidity in finely etched balance. Ideal for lunchtime sake-sipping, with enough body for evening enjoyment as well. For me, this is a light, zesty iteration of the Masumi formula: all of their sake now use their proprietary house yeast (a version of #7)-- incredibly unique for any brewery, but especially a brewery of this scale. Notes of lemon meringue, witch hazel, white tea, raw sugar, and elderflower are softened by a clean ricey sweetness. The low alcohol makes this sake feather-weight, with very minimal umami and a silky mouthfeel. There is a light earthy tang here that reminds me of a gentle sparkling perry, or wines made from birch sap.