Takatenjin Sword of the Sun Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake

Yamada Nishiki & Haenuki  The “little brother” of Soul of the Sensei, a tokubetsu honjozo that shares the bright aromas, flavors and nature of all products from this brewery. Very close to being a ginjo but reined in in flavors and aromas to allow more easy drinking. Easily one of the best bangs for the buck (zen for the yen?) of any sake product in Japan or the US. Brewery began in 1868 and has been brewing sake for four generations in Shizuoka near the ruins of Takatenjin Castle, where many battles were fought. The founder, Yasuichi Doi, was the village leader. The brewery is now solar powered.

TastingNotesMelon, pear and banana drive the aromas, and combine with a subtle sweet touch highlighted by a subdued acidity in the butter-tinged flavor. Great depth and plenty of complexity.