Hakkaisan 八海山 瓶内二次発酵酒 あわ Clear Sparkling Awa 50% Seimai Buai

Rice - Yamadanishiki 山田錦, Gohyakumangoku 五百万石, Miyamanishiki 美山錦 🌾
Prefecture - Niigata 新澙市
Brewery - Hakkaisan Brewery 八海釀造
Alcohol - 13%
Color - Colorless
Aroma - 🍊, 🍋, 🍏, 🍓, 🌸
Taste - Light
Umami - Light
First impression - Bubbly
Body - Light
Sweetness - Medium
Tail/length - Short
IG: @mitsui.sakenoob
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Notes - This is an Awa 🍶 which is a 🇯🇵 sparkling 🍶 with natural carbonation obtained after secondary fermentation in the bottle 瓶内二次発酵酒. Only 🍶 that follow advanced brewing techniques and comply with the association quality standards can receive the Awa Sake Certification and be called an Awa.

Made with all the top 3 sake 🌾, this Awa is bubbly and explosive in the mouth with a stream of smooth tiny bubbles forming in the glass. A good amount of acidity can be felt leaving a crisp feeling in the inner side of the cheeks. Full of fruity aromatic fragrance which leaves a very refreshing aftertaste after every sip. A very good alternative to sparkling wine or Prosecco if you prefer something a little off dry and yet with a gentle 🌸 sweetness.

Decided to be adventurous and pair with some local Indian Rojak (deep fried items consisting of Tofu, Fishcake, 🐓 rolls, 🥔, 🥚) to see what comes out of this unique pairing. Interestingly enough, the 🍶 actually kind of complement the Rojak due to its crisp and dry nature which helps to rid the mouth of the oily sensation from the deep fried food. Secondly it also helps to add a slight citrusy taste to the dipping sauce and made it more enjoyable.

Honestly I prefer an Awa 🍶 anytime over a sparkling wine due to the lower acidity and deeper complexity. I hope that I can get to try more Awa 🍶 from different breweries. 👍 👍