Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Premium Nouveau
This stand-out sake offers an exciting, fresh contrast to the rest of our selection from Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute. Their sake is crafted with aging in mind, despite being unpasteurized. It is strong and very sharp straight from the press, requiring time to become rounded, complex, and elegant. This fantastic sake was aged for just under two years before release, making it one of the brewery's youngest offerings. It has stayed on our minds ever since we first tasted it at the brewery, so it is a momentous occasion for us to be able to offer Premium Nouveau in our collection.
Tasting notes: Aromas of Koji, namazake (unpasteurized sake), and citrus. On the palate, there is an abundance of delicate green notes. Deep, full-bodied flavors create a captivating first impression. A consistent fruity vein runs through it, feeling almost tropical. Warm, spicy notes of vanilla follow seamlessly. With an alcohol content of 19%, the sake leaves a hint of whiskey in the finish. The alcohol sensation itself is subtle thanks to Noguchi san’s brewing prowess; instead, it enhances the aromas, releasing wonderful fruity scents in the mouth. It is a complex sake that is difficult to define in words—clearly brewed for discerning palates.
Food pairing: Sashimi of fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, or salmon. It also pairs beautifully with shellfish, complementing the bright salinity in sea urchin and oysters. If enjoying Premium Nouveau in the spring, we highly recommend serving it with fresh, grilled, white asparagus.
Serving temperature: Can be served at any temperature. This is a robust sake that shines through even at cool temperatures. We prefer drinking it at around 16°C in a small wine glass.
- Volume: 720 ml
- Alcohol: 19%
- Polishing ratio: 60%
- Rice variety: 100% Gohyakumangoku (from the brewery's own fields)
- Namazake (unpasteurized)
- Genshu (undiluted)
- Muroka (no charcoal filtration)
- Yeast type:
Brewery: Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute, Ishikawa Prefecture