Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the refined elegance of Joto Daiginjo "The One with the Clocks" Sake, a premium blend crafted by the esteemed Nakao Brewing Company in Hiroshima. This delicate sake is brewed using a proprietary apple yeast, creating a profile of soft acidity with alluring notes of green apple and pear. Its name and intricate label design pay homage to the meticulous 72-hour polishing process that yields the sake's pristine quality. With a silky mouthfeel and satin texture, this daiginjo offers exceptional balance and subtle complexity. Best enjoyed chilled, it pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, salads, and grilled chicken, making it the perfect choice for both connoisseurs and newcomers to premium sake.
Process & Profile
Joto Daiginjo belongs to the highest tier of sake, crafted from premium Hattan Nishiki rice polished to an exceptional 50% of its original size. The meticulous 72-hour rice polishing process is a testament to the dedication of its brewers, symbolized by the clocks on its label. This sake employs apple yeast, a proprietary fermentation method discovered in the 1940s, which adds a unique aroma and smooth acidity to the brew. Daiginjo sakes undergo the most refined brewing process, focusing on removing rice's outer fats and proteins to isolate the pure starch core, or *shinpaku*. Joto Daiginjo exemplifies this precision, delivering a clean, soft, and elegant flavor profile.Tasting Notes
Joto Daiginjo is a delightful sensory experience, beginning with hints of crushed sage on the nose and culminating in spiced apple flavors on the palate. Its silky satin finish adds a luxurious touch to every sip. Subtle notes of green apple and pear further enhance its bright, delicate character, making it an ideal choice for both connoisseurs and novices alike.What Makes It Special
- Artisan Brewing: Joto Daiginjo utilizes a proprietary apple yeast for a distinctive aroma and flavor. Combined with high-temperature saccharification, this brewing method ensures a soft acidity and layers of complexity.
- Premium Ingredients: The Hattan Nishiki rice, expertly polished and brewed in Hiroshima—a celebrated sake-producing region in Japan—guarantees top-tier quality.
- Unmatched Elegance: As a daiginjo sake, it represents the pinnacle of sake craftsmanship, offering a delicate balance of light, fruity, and clean notes.
How to Enjoy
Joto Daiginjo is best enjoyed chilled, highlighting its crisp and refreshing qualities. Its versatility makes it an excellent pairing with a variety of dishes:- Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Sushi, sashimi, and fatty tuna.
- Rich Dishes: Butter sauces, oysters, and foie gras.
- Light Fare: Salads and grilled chicken.
- Desserts: Custards and fruit-based treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Joto Daiginjo "The One with the Clocks" special?
This sake is crafted from Hattannishiki rice polished to 50%, meeting the standard for daiginjo-level refinement. It features a proprietary apple yeast developed in the 1940s and a high-temperature saccharification method, resulting in elegant aromas and flavors of apple and pear with soft acidity. The 72 clocks on the label symbolize the 72 hours spent polishing the rice to achieve its premium quality.
What does it taste like?
Joto Daiginjo offers hints of crushed sage on the nose, spiced apple on the palate, and finishes with a smooth, satin-like texture. It is rich, dry, and delicately expressive, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a complex yet balanced sake.
How should I serve this sake?
Serve Joto Daiginjo chilled, ideally between 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C), to preserve its delicate flavors and aromas. This temperature highlights its fruity and refined character.
What foods pair well with Joto Daiginjo?
This sake pairs beautifully with elegant dishes, such as fatty tuna, oysters, butter-based sauces, grilled fish, or even light creamy desserts like custards. Its delicate sweetness and acidity complement both light and umami-rich flavors.
Is this sake undiluted (genshu)?
Yes, Joto Daiginjo is a genshu, meaning it is undiluted, resulting in a higher alcohol content (16.0%) and more concentrated flavors. This enhances its richness and complexity.
What is the meaning behind the "72 clocks" on the label?
The design pays homage to the meticulous process of polishing the rice for 72 hours to achieve the required 50% polishing ratio for daiginjo sake. This dedication embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in its production.
Can Joto Daiginjo be enjoyed warm?
While some sakes can be served warm, Joto Daiginjo is best enjoyed chilled to retain its delicate flavors and aromas. Heating it would mask the nuanced fruity and floral notes.
Where is Joto Daiginjo brewed?
This sake is brewed in Hiroshima, Japan, at the Nakao Brewing Company. Hiroshima is renowned for producing high-quality sake, and this bottle is no exception.
What does SMV +5 mean?
The SMV (Sake Meter Value) of +5 indicates that this sake is on the dry side. This dryness is balanced by the fruity and aromatic profile, making it crisp and refreshing.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, Joto Daiginjo's refined aromas, light sweetness, and smooth texture make it approachable for beginners while still offering enough complexity to satisfy seasoned sake enthusiasts.
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