Generally speaking in life, you get what you pay for. Every now and then one comes across a pleasant exception to the rule. Is Hakutsuru Draft Sake one of them?
Sake Meter Value: Hakutsuru's own website lists this sake at +4 and +2! The Sake Expert website lists it at +4, which seems right to me since it's not noticeably sweet.
Acidity: 1.6 (Source: Sake Expert)
Amino Acid: Not listed.
Alcohol %: 14.0
Semaibuai (milling rate): Not listed. Likely above 70%.
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| There's some left at the bottom! |
Packaging
Hakutsuru Draft comes in a transparent glass bottle that looks like a milk bottle. The label is a money-saving plastic wrap that suggests that Hakutsuru is doing everything in their power to minimize cost and pass the savings on to the consumer. The pull tab lid provides a subtle hint that this is a sake best consumed within a day or two after opening.
Tasting
I find the taste of Hakutsuru rather neutral from start to finish, which is not a bad thing in a sake at this price point. Compared to the repellent liquids sold in 700mL bottles in the same price range, neutral is quite an accomplishment. When heated, a warm alcohol note can tingle the back of the mouth, which just makes a recommended pairing with umeboshi onigiri (rice ball with pickled plum inside) all the better to comfort you on a long, cold winter night.Statistics
Too funny. No one drinks Hakutsuru Draft for its statistics, but here's what I dug up anyway.
Acidity: 1.6 (Source: Sake Expert)
Amino Acid: Not listed.
Alcohol %: 14.0
Semaibuai (milling rate): Not listed. Likely above 70%.
Verdict
Perhaps the most important statistic is this: $6.70. This is one economical sake that does not punish the palate for trying to stay under budget. Whether you pick a bottle up because you need some cheap table sake or you're just trying to average down your price per bottle during a larger shopping spree, it will not disappoint whether served hot or cold. Where more expensive sake can be ruined through heating, Hakutsuru Draft takes it well.Links
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For a second opinion, visit Rate Beer
Travis Belrose is the author of The Samurai Poet, which costs less than a bottle of Hakutsuru Draft Sake.
Good review. I've always drank this because it's very nice for the price as far as sake goes in Ontario, and it's nice to see a reviewer looking at it that sensibly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. Hearing from readers keeps me motivated.
ReplyDeleteSo I just got a bottle and decided to try it and I like it I was wondering if it only last for one or two days since I am not a big drinker
ReplyDeleteIf you keep it tightly lidded (may need saran wrap for this particular one) and refrigerated it should not lose much flavour in the first seven days. I recently finished a larger bottle of another brand and it was fine for a month after opening, so I wouldn't be too worried about it. If you do detect a taste drop off, you could try heating it for a different flavour experience. Hope you get to enjoy it at your own pace.
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