Kozaemon, Tokubetsu Junmai Shinano Miyamanishiki Jikagumi

This characterful pure rice sake from Gifu is made from Miyama Nishiki rice grown in Nagano Prefecture. It is described as a light, fresh, easy-drinking tropical sake with aromas of pear, pineapple and cream and a tingly, mouthwatering flavour.   Yes, it has a mouthwatering tingle on the tongue from the sake lees and the distinct nutty aromatic note of fresh, unpasteurised sake, but, excuse me, the palate is anything but light! Rather, it is uncompromisingly rich and full-flavoured with a savoury umami quality and a full-throttle 17.5% alcohol power to it that says hit me with grilled meat, pasta or richly sauced white fish.