Shindo Shuzo, Uragasanryu Koka Honjozo, Japan

This reasonably priced honjozo may weigh in at less than 15% alcohol, (14.8%) but is certainly doesn’t lack character. Made from Dewanosato rice and polished to 65% of the original size of the rice grain, it has a delicate vanilla and fresh pear fragrance that’s almost ginjo-like. The texture is surprisingly rich and creamy with an appetising melon sweetness and some grip on the tongue too, which makes it an excellent food sake.