The nose on this newly packaged and formulated Junmai Daiginjo has a mild collection of melon, pear, peach, cherry, mango, and plum aromas. Say hello to Nanago 2.0! Using a new bottle and a new brewing rice varietal, this old favorite has been tuned up to meet the new sake drinker’s market. It’s still smooth yet crisp, which is a great brewing trick. It is complex sake that smoothens out in the glass as it opens up. There is a playful clean, crisp, and tingly start that appeals to wine drinkers; with lots of shibumi (astringency) qualities that dance in a bigger glass. There is also a nice tannin-like dryness that also speaks to the complexity of high-end sake, with a quick finish and a hint of spice on the tail. Look for young pear and melon, white peach, Asian pear, papaya, and purple plum (stone fruit) flavors. It’s both complex and drinkable which makes this new version very appealing to wine drinkers looking for a "rice-and-water" home. WORD: Crisp Complexity WINE: Tannin reds/Zesty whites BEER: Crisp Ales FOODS: Sushi, sashimi, oysters, clean grilled white fish, chicken, and veggies. (2021)