Experience the elegance of Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily" Sake, a masterful Honjozo crafted in the heart of Akita by the renowned Saiya Brewery. This sake boasts a rustic yet refined flavor profile, featuring nutty and earthy tones balanced with a subtle sweetness and light fruitiness. With a smooth structure and light dryness, it adapts beautifully to varying temperatures, whether served chilled or warmed. Pair it with grilled meats, stews, or seafood for a harmonious dining experience. Made with Hitomibore rice polished to 68%, this sake has an alcohol content of 16% and a refined +2.5 SMV, embodying generations of brewing tradition. Loved locally and praised globally, it's a versatile choice for any sake enthusiast.
Process & Profile
Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily" is a honjozo sake crafted by the distinguished Saiya Brewery, located in the lush Akita prefecture of Japan. This sake is made using Hitomibore rice polished to a 68% Seimaibuai ratio, combined with pure local water and in-house yeast. Saiya Brewery, known for its meticulous craftsmanship since 1903, applies both traditional and modern techniques, such as charcoal filtration and careful rice washing, to ensure a consistent, high-quality brew. The result is a sake with a 16% alcohol content and a light, dry flavor profile loved by locals and connoisseurs alike.
Tasting Notes
Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily" offers a beautifully layered and rustic flavor experience. The sake is characterized by nutty, earthy flavors balanced with a subtle underlying fruitiness. Notes of roasted chestnuts and mild sweetness emerge, particularly when served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Its light dryness and mellow structure make it a perfect companion for a diverse range of dining experiences, leaving a lasting, refined impression on the palate.
What Makes It Special
The "Beautiful Lily" honjozo sake is treasured as a testament to Saiya Brewery's dedication to quality and tradition. The brewery uses a meticulous fermentation process without stirring, allowing for a natural, delicate balance of flavors. The name “Yuri” honors the local Yuri region, and “Masamune” reflects its historic connection to traditional Japanese sake. Unlike diluted sakes, this honjozo offers a genuine, unadorned expression of local ingredients, crafted by one of Japan's most esteemed brewmasters.
How to Enjoy
This versatile sake can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
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Temperature: Best served at room temperature or slightly heated, although it also pairs well chilled, offering different profiles at each serving style.
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Food Pairings: It complements grilled meats, stews, and seafood wonderfully, particularly dishes with rich or salty flavors. For a unique combination, try pairing it with cheese-flavored snacks.
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Occasions: Perfect for casual izakaya nights or elevating formal dinner settings, this sake adapts to suit any occasion with finesse.
Experience the authentic flavor of Japan with Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily"—a sake rooted in tradition, yet refined for today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily" Sake?
Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily" is a Honjozo-grade sake produced by the Saiya Brewery in Akita, Japan. It is known for its mellow and rustic flavor, combining nutty and earthy notes with mild fruitiness. It has a firm structure and can be enjoyed at a range of temperatures, from chilled to warm.
What makes this sake special?
This sake is rooted in tradition, being the original brand of the renowned Saiya Brewery. The brewery emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship, with in-house yeast and high-quality Hitomibore rice. Moreover, the sake offers versatility, pairing well with a variety of meals, and its layered flavors make it a favorite among locals and enthusiasts.
What does Honjozo mean?
Honjozo is a grade of sake that includes a small amount of distilled alcohol during the brewing process. This enhances the aroma and brings a lighter, smoother flavor profile compared to Junmai sakes. "Beautiful Lily" is a fine example of this style.
What are the tasting notes of Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily"?
The sake is mellow and rustic, with a nutty and earthy profile. Subtle fruit notes, such as cantaloupe and honeydew, provide an underlying sweetness that balances the flavor. The finish is mild and smooth.
What foods pair best with this sake?
"Beautiful Lily" pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, stews, and dishes with salty or briny flavors. Its flexibility also makes it a delightful companion to a variety of cuisines.
What is the best way to serve Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily"?
This sake can be enjoyed at various temperatures, which highlights different aspects of its flavor profile. Chilled, it emphasizes its fruity and crisp notes. When served warm, the nutty and earthy flavors become more pronounced.
What makes Saiya Brewery unique?
Saiya Brewery prides itself on its innovative yet traditional sake-making techniques. They use proprietary yeast cultivated over decades and avoid detergents, keeping the process exceptionally clean while allowing natural airborne elements to enhance the brewing. Their dedication to quality has earned them numerous awards.
What is the alcohol content of Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily"?
This sake has an alcohol content of 16%, typical for sakes of its grade.
Is Yuri Masamune "Beautiful Lily" available in different sizes?
Yes, it is offered in various sizes, including 200ml, 300ml, and 720ml bottles, catering to different preferences and occasions. Availability may vary by location.