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April 13, 2011
Sake of the Week: Ama no To-Heaven's Door
Ama no To 'Heaven's Door' is John Gauntner's sake of the month according to his conversation with Steve Beimel, Editor -in-chief of Japan Living Arts.
"For April, I suggest that you try Ama no To, from Akita Prefecture, snow country in the far north of Honshu Island. This sake takes its name from an ancient poem about how the world began. It is a fascinating brew from a fascinating kura, with a fascinating toji (master brewer). Master brewer, chef, photographer, rice farmer, published author and all around interesting guy, Yasuichi Moriya, is certainly well rounded. And his sake rocks, to boot. On top of that, they are adamant about using only local rice. Like, really local rice - all of the rice they use is grown in fields that can be seen from the roof of their brewery.
This tokubetsu junmai is laced with fig and butter, with a slightly rich and sweet touch to the flavor that seems perfectly in place. A drier and clean finish ties it all together. Very enjoyable with salty grilled salmon or bacon-garnished cream pasta." -John Gauntner
