Sake Junmai Inata Barrel - 72cl

With its profound and identifying style, the Junmai Inata Barrel Sake of the ancient sakagura Inata Honten perfectly reflects the innovative spirit of this Japanese producer. It is a highly original sake as it is aged in oak barrels previously used in the maturation of sherry, giving this Junmai its unique characteristics. The starting rice variety is Gohyakumangoku, a popular rice native to Niigata that is characterised by its coarse grain, the hallmark of quality sake rice, as well as the clean and delicate style of the resulting sake.

Barrel Sake Inata Honten Junmai is made from only rice of the locally grown Gohyakumangoku variety, which is polished to a degree of 60% dehulling. This is followed by steaming and then a double fermentation process, the first carried out by the Koji fungus, the agent responsible for breaking down the complex sugars in the rice into simple sugars, and the second by yeast. The sake is then placed to age in ex-sherry oak barrels, a container that gives the characteristic golden colour to this fermented rice, while imparting sweet and distinctive aromas.

To the eye, Sake Inata Honten Junmai Barrel expresses a beautiful golden yellow hue. Sweet sensations of caramel, ripe fruit, vanilla and dried fruit define the olfactory texture, the same notes found on the palate, well balanced by the characteristic umami taste of this sake. The finish is warm and persistent, not without balance. Sakagura itself recommends enjoying its Sake Junmai Barrel in combination with smoked foods and various meat dishes that support its strong flavour. The combination with chocolate should also be tried.