Vine Connections | Sake | Time of Reflection Ginjo-Shu Japanese Sakés Ginga Shizuku - Divine Droplets Mukune - Root of Innocence Rihaku Nigori - Dreamy Clouds Chiyonosono - Sacred Power Tentaka Kuni - Hawk in the Heavens Takatenjin - Shrine of the Village Ama no To - Heaven's Door Nanbu Bijin - Southern Beauty Fukucho - Moon on the Water Takasago - Morning Glow Mantensei - Star Filled Sky Sato no Homare - Pride of the Village Rihaku - Wondering Poet

Ama No To-Time of Reflection

“Go local” is the motto of this Akita-based brewery. Asamai brewery only uses local Akita rice from a unique cooperative of 19 different local growers. They not only get quality rice from this cooperative but also quality brewery help! Four of their experienced growers (including Toji Moriya) also work in the brewery helping with everything including koji production, pressing and bottling! This is extremely rare for brewers, since most must look outside the prefecture for brewing help, and nobody takes more care in brewing than the guys who grow the rice, pictured in the photo below.

Sake Facts
Quality Grade: Junmai Daiginjo (at least 50% of rice grain polished away)
Seimaibuai: 38% (62% of rice grain polished away)
Rice: Misato Nishiki
Yeast: AK-1
Nihonshu-do: +1
Alcohol: 17%
Acidity: 1.4
Sulfite-free. Gluten-free. Kosher.

Brewery Facts
Brewery Name: Asamai Shuzo (founded in 1917).
Brewery Location: Akita Prefecture
Toji (Master Brewer): Koichi Moriya
Brewery President: Hidemori “Special K” Kakizaki

Tasting Notes
A powerful, full-bodied sake with aromas of pear and tangerine and cacao. The impact is big and rich with a creamy viscosity while chocolate, pear, and a sweet vanilla spice flutters over the palate. The gentle sweetness is offset by a mild acidity that remains on the clean finish.

Reviews & Press
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 2007 “I recently tasted through the sake portfolio of Vine Connections, better known for their prime selection of wines from Argentina , and was knocked out by the quality of sakes they import from small, family-run brewers in Japan .”
95 Points – Ama no To Time of Reflection

FYI. Ama no To draws its inspiration from Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess who brought light to the world and
cultivated Japan’s first rice fields. The Magatama, the Shinto icon on the label, is a jewel of good fortune in Japan

 

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