mrsake_vol2

With the weather getting hotter and hotter, you may start to crave for some refreshing cold drinks. In this case, chilled fruity sakes with pleasant high acidity may be what you should go for. This month, Saketora has invited Mr. Sake, Namisato Naoya, again to suggest three sakes for us. And this time, all of them are extremely fresh and can cool you off.
Let’s see what summer treats he has recommended!

Kinoene Junmaiginjo

  • Kinoene Junmaiginjo

Soon after I smelled, I was so surprised by its freshness and apple notes. On the palate, I can feel a little bit fizz with sweetness followed by pleasant tartness and fruitiness. The apple flavors also spread in the mouth. Although it has been pasteurized, it is still fresh like namazake. I would recommend drinking it chilled in a wine glass. It would also be nicer to pair it with dishes such as apple chicken salad, though it is already good enough itself.


Fumigiku Daiginjo

  • Fuigiku Daiginjo

It shows a mellow and silky mouthfeel and a clean aftertaste that can naturally and quickly cleanse your palate. The finish also shows a hint of bitterness and mild intensity. You may drink it slightly chilled in a small wine glass such as a sherry glass so that you can feel better the delicate texture and soft medium body. It is nice to pair with dishes with gentle flavors such as Japanese egg rolls.


Ryozeki Setsugetsuka Junmaidaiginjo

  • Ryozeki Setsugetsuka Junmaidaiginjo

As its name “Setsugetsuka” (lit meaning: Snow, Moon & Flower) suggests, it shows mild fruitiness with the notes of white rice and marshmallows. The first impression is sweet but gentle, followed by pleasant tartness on the finish. The overall performance is outstanding. To enjoy its softness and elegant sweetness, it is best served chilled in a wine glass. It can also be complemented by veggie dishes such as stuffed cabbage rolls in chicken broth.


Young Sake Talent, Mr. Naoya Namisato
Young Sake Talent, Mr. Naoya Namisato

We have all heard about Kikisakeshi, a qualified sake sommelier. The upper level is considered as Sakesho, which only accounts for 1% of the holders of Kikisakeshi and is just held by around 300 people in the world. Then, one more advanced level is SSI Laboratory Official Taster. Not only is Mr. Namisato a Sakesho, but also a SSI Taster (World No.60), which he has become since his 20s as the second youngest memeber who got this qualification. Apart from that, he is also the youngest member in the Jizake Kensho Kenkyukai, an organization formed by a group of sake professionals to taste and comment on sakes all over Japan. Besides sake, he also has a deep understanding in all kinds of alcohol. Being a sommelier certificated by Japan Sommelier Association and a HBA Cocktail Advisor, he can analyse sake in different angles and know how to suggest sakes to foreigners in accordance with their needs.

-Recent qualifications

Winner of the 3rd 'Mr. Sake Contest (Nov, 2018) Top 4 in retail service group of the 5th World Kikisake-shi Competition (Feb, 2019)

-Other qualifications related to wine and sake

SSI Kikisakeshi (Japanese sake sommelier)
SSI Interntional Kikisakeshi
SSI Sakesho
SSI Laboratory Official Taster
Member of SSI Jizake Kensho Kenkyukai
Master of the Brewing Society of Japan Kikisaka
HBA Cocktail Advisor
HBA Beverage Advisor
JSA sake sommelier
WSET Level3 Advanced Certificate
WSET Wine&Spirits Diploma candidate