Niigata Travel Series, 01: Friends from the States Sample Niigata’s Many Varieties of Saké

in #travel6 years ago (edited)

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Known here as Nihonshu (“saké” in Japanese is a actually just generic term for alcohol), Japanese saké in Niigata is said to be second to none.


Niigata Sake's unique taste can be summed up as "crisp and dry." It is less sweet and has a lighter taste than the national average. It contains less extract and amino acid, and is generally light in color.

The delicate flavor and aroma of this sake, nurtured by ninety-seven brewers in the prefecture as well as by the Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute, contrasts with the full-bodied sweet sake that once dominated mainstream Japan.

Niigata Sake now boasts the third-highest total sake production in Japan after Hyogo and Kyoto Prefectures, and is greatly appreciated for its high quality, enjoying popularity among consumers.

Source.

Two friends of mine from the states are currently visiting me here in Japan, so we went to a nearby Nihonshu hot spot to put this theory to the test.

Join us as we head to the Ponshukan saké paradise!


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Megan and Aron sampling the various regional flavors.


The Ponshukan in Niigata station features over 100 different types of Japanese saké from breweries all over the prefecture.

Just pay 500 yen to receive 5 tokens and your small saké cup, then enjoy the various flavors of Nihonshu! After placing the cup inside the holder of the vending machine, you put in your token, push the small yellow button, and the saké flows!


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So as far as the favorite, what was the consensus? Good question. The flavor impressions range from almost bitter, to bubble-gummy sweet. From pine forest to citrusy, and there are so many that it is impossible to try them all in one visit. My personal favorite from this visit, however, was this guy:

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Image source.

The Echigo Tsurukame brand saké I sampled has a sweet flavor, but is balanced by its characteristic Niigata crispness and freshness. It has impressions of a kind of “bubble gum” flavor at times, and for me is one of the most interesting and enjoyable I’ve had here. My partners in crime from the states seemed to like it as well.

Next time you’re in Niigata, give me a shout and let’s go sample some fine Japanese saké together!

~KafkA

!


Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as DLive and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)

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日本酒好きには、たまらないお店ですね😊

How does it feel the morning after?

A little jagged. Haha. But that is mostly from the karaoke session that happened after this... :)

@kafkanarchy84 it's good to travel with friends. Your travel series is looking good. Enjoy the travelling and have fun with your friend's.

Have a fun with your freind

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