Noguchi Naohiko-Toji is famed for many things, one of which is championing the revival of the Yamahai brewing technique after the end of the Second World War. NNSI Yamahai Omachi 2020 Vintage is part of a series of sakes commemorating these efforts, with this particular sake looking to highlight the restrained elegance the Yamahai Technique can elicit using 100% Omachi rice from Okayama Prefecture (the home of Omachi).
Omachi is a fickle and recalcitrant beast, which is why it has many fans in both sake enthusiasts and brewers alike. It is difficult to grow, difficult to polish, and doesn’t like to be told what to do but in the hands of a man who’s teachings remind us…
“I adapt to Aspergillus. I adapt myself to yeasts. I cannot make good sake without feeling like that. Sake will never engage me if I force on it my own circumstances.”
…we know everything is going to be alright!
Sake made with Omachi is often described as ‘rustic’ and ‘earthy’ with a ‘mild aroma’ and ‘herbaceous’ or ‘green’ notes. The Yamahai Omachi 2020 retains the characteristic juiciness & vibrancy associated with the Noguchi style but is more restrained (perhaps refined) and subtle than the others in the Yamahai range.
Medium intensity aromas of creamy peach, banana, white chocolate, nectarine zest and white flowers. Delivery is elegant and relaxed but builds to a crescendo of green plums, apricot, peaches & cream with quite a full body and long finish. A vibrant yet refined profile with mild acidity; food-friendly.
We particularly liked this Yamahai Omachi 2020 warmed. In the 40s (deg C) was lovely but hitting 55 deg C was subtly sweet & delicious and allowed more of the vegetal nature of Omachi to come out. One to savour.
Burnt or charred flavours, octopus, sour or tart flavours, asparagus, aubergine (baba ganoush), lamb, mint, peppers.
MASTER SPECS
18%
55%
Okayama Omachi
Noguchi Naohiko-Toji is famed for many things, one of which is championing the revival of the Yamahai brewing technique after the end of the Second World War. NNSI Yamahai Omachi 2020 Vintage is part of a series of sakes commemorating these efforts, with this particular sake looking to highlight the restrained elegance the Yamahai Technique can elicit using 100% Omachi rice from Okayama Prefecture (the home of Omachi).
Omachi is a fickle and recalcitrant beast, which is why it has many fans in both sake enthusiasts and brewers alike. It is difficult to grow, difficult to polish, and doesn’t like to be told what to do but in the hands of a man who’s teachings remind us…
“I adapt to Aspergillus. I adapt myself to yeasts. I cannot make good sake without feeling like that. Sake will never engage me if I force on it my own circumstances.”
…we know everything is going to be alright!
Sake made with Omachi is often described as ‘rustic’ and ‘earthy’ with a ‘mild aroma’ and ‘herbaceous’ or ‘green’ notes. The Yamahai Omachi 2020 retains the characteristic juiciness & vibrancy associated with the Noguchi style but is more restrained (perhaps refined) and subtle than the others in the Yamahai range.
Medium intensity aromas of creamy peach, banana, white chocolate, nectarine zest and white flowers. Delivery is elegant and relaxed but builds to a crescendo of green plums, apricot, peaches & cream with quite a full body and long finish. A vibrant yet refined profile with mild acidity; food-friendly.
We particularly liked this Yamahai Omachi 2020 warmed. In the 40s (deg C) was lovely but hitting 55 deg C was subtly sweet & delicious and allowed more of the vegetal nature of Omachi to come out. One to savour.
