Tozai – Snow Maiden Sake

Named Snow Maiden in homage to Japan’s most famous koi, “Hanako”, which lived 226 years in the icy waters at the foot of Japan’s Mt. Ontake.

Tozai Snow Maiden Sake Facts

Quality Grade: Junmai

Seimaibuai: 70% (30% of rice grain polished away)

Rice: Gohyakumangoka/Gin-Ohmi

Yeast: Brewer’s Original

Nihonshu-do:6.5

Alcohol: 14.9%

Acidity: 1.6

Brewery Facts

Brewery Name: Kizakura

Toji (master brewer): Mr. Wakai

Also available in 300ml bottles.

Tozai- Snow Maiden Tasting Notes/Food Pairing:

This is fairly thick and chewy nigori (cloudy sake), but it is still surprisingly dry. The aromas are bright and fresh and they show a lovely ricey and fruity combination. In the mouth, this sake has solid weight and gives the same flavors of fresh fruit and creamy fresh rice that your nose told you about. The finish has a pleasant astringency and is nicely mellow, beckoning you for another mouthful. You will rarely taste a classier nigori at this price, and this may be the ultimate food-friendly nigori. It pairs perfectly with desserts.

Try with:

Crab rangoons
Five-spice pork spareribs
Spicy tuna poke
Coconut macaroons

Tozai- Snow Maiden Press:

91 Points, Gold Medal, “Best Buy” & “Exceptional”, Beverage Tasting Institute, February 2009

88 Points, Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar, August 2007

“Heavy milky-white. Nutty, creamy nose. Rich, chewy and lush, with soft saline and banana flavors and an attractive hint of fruity sweetness. Not complex, but this mellow, easy-to-drink sake is not short of acidity.”