This month we’re introducing you to one of the sake world’s secret stars: Urakasumi or Misty Bay, as it is called on the export label. There is hardly another sake or another sake brewery with an equal record of national and international awards that would still be available at this affordable price. Urakasumi is run by the 13th generation and one of northern Japan’s most important sake representatives. Since its foundation in 1724 the brewery has also been providing the holy sake for the famous shrine in Shiogama. Together with the regional rice variety, Manamusume, the brewery’s own yeast and the somewhat harder water they use makes for a very distinctive aroma and pronounced umami.

Aroma. Umami. Music to my cheese-loving ears!