Sake Review: Jizake Tenzan

Packaging alert! Packaging alert! The last time we here at Over a Hedge bought a sake in a fancy wrapper was way back in 2012 when we tried a bottle of Ty Ku Black. That misadventure must have scarred us because we waited a couple years before being seduced by another bottle of sake in a fancy wrapper. Were we right to follow the adage "once bitten, twice shy" or did Jizake Tenzan deserve an earlier chance?

I mock you and your fancy horse!

Packaging

How important is packaging you ask? I know the first time I bought this the bamboo leaf wrapped bottle tied with rustic rope was a major factor in my decision. It just has a "wow" factor that even elicits comments from non-drinkers. Underneath all that fancy packaging is a plain green bottle with a screw-top lid. By the time you get to that though, all you're really thinking about is pouring a sample.

Tasting

Jizake Tenzan is at the upper range of sake as far as alcohol percentage is concerned and it shows. The alcohol cuts through the sweet flavour and borders on tasting more like a liquor than a wine. The alcohol notes balance the sweetness well, but that is the only advantage.

Statistics

Sake Meter Value: +2.0
Acidity: 2
Amino Acid: N/A
Alcohol %: 18%
Semaibuai (milling rate): 60%

Verdict

Jizake Tenzan is not my style of sake. While I'd like to think I have a fairly eclectic palate, I prefer a sake where the alcohol is not at the forefront of the flavour palate. Whether it is the floral notes of a junmai daiginjo, a more robust junmai ginjo, or a well balanced table sake, for me it is safer to buy sake under the magic 17% mark. That said, the packaging of Tenzan sake makes it well suited for gift giving. As long as your host is advised to pair it with a flavourful dish like tempura tendon, they will enjoy experimenting with this jizake.

Links

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Tenzan Sake Brewery
Second Opinion: Ratebeer.com