About the brewery : The Hatsumomidi brewery is located in Shunan (Yamaguchi Prefecture) on the Seto Sea. Founded in 1819, during the Edo period, it has been owned by the Harada family for 12 generations. Although it fell on hard times in the 70s, it was admirably reborn in 2003 under the impetus of Yasuhiro Harada as a "Four Seasons Brewery". The idea is to offer customers new, fresh products throughout the year. Annual production volumes are relatively low, in the order of 300 to 340 goku (54 to 62,000 liters). Hatsumomidi uses water from the Shikano spring in Kano, a little further north in the Chugoku mountains. This light, low mineral content water is the source of the famous Nishiki River. For rice, only the Yamada Nishiki and Saito no Shizuku strains grown locally in Yamaguchi are used in production. Saito-no-Shizuku is a unique sake rice from Yamaguchi prefecture. It is produced by crossing Kokuryo Miyako and Saikai 222 (from Yamada Nishiki). Initially called Yamaguchi Sake Numéro 1, its cultivation is characterized by good resistance to collapse. Brewing trials carried out since 2003 have revealed its ability to bring roundness and smoothness to sake. Since then, it has become a very popular and emblematic rice in Yamaguchi prefecture.

Detailed tasting notes : A beautiful pale yellow color for this junmai genshu. The nose is delicate and elegant, presenting both floral notes, mainly white flowers, and fruity aromas, notably pear and white melon. The attack on the palate is as supple as it is fluid. A pleasant evolution, from fruity aromas, rather round, to more character and vivacity. On the finish, it becomes warm, with the appearance of a pleasant bitterness and spices that come at just the right moment. The finish is clean.

Serving suggestions : Easy to match, enjoy with sashimi, sole meunière, cheese or as an aperitif. Serve chilled.