The new school year is just around the corner, and with it, the fresh faces of new students and employees.
I, Mitachi, first worked for an airline. In my first year there, I spent my days running around the airport, which gave my legs and back quite a workout.
I was next assigned to a training center for flight attendants, where I practiced how to escape from the plane and how to grill meat.
I also studied wine a lot so I could serve it on board.
Through this, I realized the importance of having your own axis or reference point.
Taste and aroma are somewhat elusive and surprisingly tricky to remember.
Reading textbooks and accumulating knowledge alone does not allow you to identify particular wines.
You may only be able to record a few wines clearly in your memory.
However, once you can use that record as an axis to analyze new wines, the world of wine opens up before you.
In my case, that axis was major négociants such as Pouilly Fuisse and Gevrey Chambertin. I then gradually began to see where other Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs fit in.
In time, I could express what I liked and see things like flavor characteristics and price appropriateness.
In fact, the world of matured sake is the same.
I think the quickest way to get the most enjoyment from any beverage is to taste various types and commit to memory.
This article will introduce some alcoholic beverages that can serve as an axis.
There are two main types when it comes to matured sake that can be enjoyed with meals.
One is matured at relatively low temperatures (10℃ or below) to add complexity. It has a rich umami flavor but is not sweet.
A representative example of this type is Tenju Daiginjyo 3+ years 2018, a ginjo sake that has been stored at low temperatures for over three years. This one was brewed in 2018.
Tenju Daiginjyo 3+ years 2018
◇ Tenju Daiginjyo 3+ years 2018
Price: 720ml 5,800 yen (tax included)
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The other type is designed to have a mature taste and is matured at room temperature (usually around 15℃) to produce a caramel-like aroma and flavor.
One sake that could be a benchmark is Daruma Masamune 3 Year. It is a blend of unprocessed sakes that have matured at room temperature for over three years, resulting in a wonderful balance.
Daruma Masamune Matured for 3 years
◇ Daruma Masamune Matured for 3 years
Price: 720ml 2,350 yen (tax included)
Perhaps this article has inspired you to create your own axis. We encourage you to give it a try.