Granny Smith [Sake Diary]

Sake and Dessert

I first discovered this combination over 20 years ago, when I was in my late twenties. Back then, I would go skiing with a childhood friend from the neighborhood almost every week, and on the way home, we would buy sake at a liquor store. Afterward, we would gather at my house to hold a drinking party.

One day, for M-kun's birthday, we also bought a whole cake. We bought a picture-perfect "birthday cake" just as you would imagine: pure white whipped cream topped with plenty of strawberries.

Toward the end, we still had sake left, but we had run out of snacks. "That's it!"

I had forgotten about the cake... How about this for a snack?

"Huh?" Cake?

We were a group of curious, easy-going young people, so no one said "No!"

Ta-da!

Without even cutting it, we kept it whole, and everyone was ready for battle with a fork in hand.

Ready, set, go!

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Since then, I have been recommending strawberry shortcake as a snack, but it hasn't really gained mainstream acceptance. The light, sweet whipped cream makes the sake stand out clearly, and for some reason, I even feel a slight saltiness. And the acidity of the strawberries acts as an accent—it's an outstanding marriage of flavors, if you ask me...

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And so, that's the preamble.

Today's "topic" is to find a sake that goes well with Granny Smith apple pie!

Why, you ask!

Michi-san requested that she wants to toast her birthday with "Granny Smith apple pie" and "sake."

Sounds interesting! Sake that goes with apple pie, huh... The driving force at my "roots" is "curiosity." Following my curiosity, I have made a selection based on my own judgment and prejudice.

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Sorry to keep you waiting! Today, I have prepared two bottles!

■ Mutsu Hassen Mixseed Apéro

This is part of the limited edition sake series (Mixseed) brewed by Hassen, and this particular label was crafted as an aperitif. Sorry! I'm pairing it with dessert...
When poured into a glass, it has a cloudiness about five times thinner than Calpis. The sweetness and acidity hit the palate immediately. The acidity is soft, reminiscent of lactic acid bacteria. And just when you think the acidity has faded, the sweetness slowly returns as a lingering finish. I see, it's a flavor that whets the appetite.
When enjoyed with dried fruit, the sweetness decreases and it becomes a crisp sake. I think it would also go well with apple pie.

Since it was a limited edition sake released in April, there might not be much left. Sorry about that.

For those people, good news!
Believe it or not, a digestif (Digestif) from this series will be released in June!
The brewery's website says, 'Enjoy it with vanilla ice cream!', so wouldn't apple pie, vanilla ice cream, and this be a great combination?

And now, my second recommendation!

■ HIZIRIZM Experimental Brew White Koji Preparation

Regular sake uses a type of koji called yellow koji to ferment the rice. However, the Hassen I mentioned earlier is a rare sake that uses black koji. And this sake from Hijiri Brewery is also quite rare, using white koji, with the 'experimental brew' label that really tickles the fancy of any enthusiast.

In my experience, sake made with black koji has a slightly sweet, full-bodied flavor. And when white koji is used, it results in a sharp, acidic flavor that stands out.

Taking a sip, it's as acidic as I expected. However, it's not a harsh acidity like being cut by a Japanese sword, but rather a more supple, delicate acidity. Not that I've ever been cut by a Japanese sword, though (^-^;
Simply put, it's a sake you can drink like juice. The difference from juice is that after the acidity fades away, a pleasant bitterness remains.
Unlike the Hassen, this one feels like juice with apple pie.

Come to think of it, this Hijiri Brewery has a series called 'Kanto no Hana Dessert' that actually bears the name 'Dessert'. This one seems like it would go well with apple pie too...

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Last night, at dinner, I said to my family (wife and son):
'Today, I've selected some sake that goes well with apple pie!'

'Ta-da!'

...

Huh?

Well, as long as it's delicious, it doesn't matter...

Isn't it nice once in a while to have sake that goes well with dessert...

I'm grateful that you always go along with my eccentric behavior!

Brand: Mutsu Hassen Mixseed Series Apéro
Black Koji used
Alcohol content 13%
Rice grown in Aomori Prefecture
Rating: ★★★☆
Sweetness 4, Acidity 3, Bitterness 2, Umami 3, Aroma 3
Price: 2,200 yen, Cost performance: Good

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Brand: HIZIRIZM Experimental Brew White Koji
Alcohol content 12%
Rice grown in Gunma Prefecture
Rating: ★★★★
Sweetness 2, Acidity 4, Bitterness 4, Umami 2, Aroma 3
Price: 1,650 yen, Cost performance: Excellent

(The End)