Autumn Favourites: What You Should Be Drinking This Season
Sake is for everyone, every day, everywhere, be that at a dinner party, during a bubble bath, or smuggling into the cinema to enjoy with a friend (which we absolutely have never done, ever). Whatever the occasion, mood or dish, we can hopefully recommend a sake for you to enjoy with it.
Onto the pairing genre of this blog post: Autumn.
As previously mentioned in our aptly named blog post “Sake in Autumn,” this season’s sipping focuses on matured full-bodied sakes with flavours that pair nicely with seasonal produce (think roasted butternut squash, grilled leeks, peeled chestnuts). General flavour profiles include creamy vanilla notes, baking spices like cloves or cinnamon, dried fruits and sometimes umami characteristics (which can vary greatly). Some can be enjoyed warm, others cold, but all should bring a smile to your face from the first sip.
So if you’re in the market for something that will flood you with those comforting, amber autumnal vibes, here are a few sakes you should be drinking this season:
Mai Mai is the sake equivalent of a warm blanket wrapped around your shoulders on a cold day. It is designed as an ‘everyday’ style and thus easily drinkable, but don’t assume this means “it’s just one of those generic sakes.” The smooth, creamy notes of rice pudding and almonds keep you cosy with soft and nostalgic flavours, whilst fruity notes of melon add an interesting complexity to the overall experience of this drink. Whether you decide to pair this sake with a good homemade Sunday roast or enjoy it with a book and slippers, this sake is perfect for autumn.
This aged sake is a rich indulgent treat which is particularly enticing to anyone who appreciates a dry style of sherry. Originally the same style as our Sadaijin Junmai (also iconic), this sake was aged in tank for 16 years, and then in bottle for 8. The patience of the brewers certainly paid off in this golden sake, as gentle sweet notes of caramel, dried plums and figs are prominent through every sip. The full-bodied nature of Sadaijin Junmai 24 Year Old sake can pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, so pour yourself a generous glass of this as you sit down for a flavourful stew, and consider your soul officially warmed.
From the gorgeous golds and reds on the label - reminiscent of the fallen leaves that crunch underfoot, to the crisp, refreshing flavours of the sake itself, Gyo-ten perfectly embodies autumn scenery to a T. The experience of this delicious sake is less about being snuggled up at home, and more about taking a stroll through the park, as the dry botanical nature of this drink is comparable to a crisp breeze. While the other two sake choices on our list have a mellow depth of flavour, this instead has herbal notes, with a hint of citrus and salinity, making it especially appealing to dry martini lovers. We recommend this sake to anyone seeking to appreciate the rustic charm of the season.
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So make sure to stay wrapped up warm this month, and enjoy one of our top picks for optimal autumn enjoyment!
Happy sipping ~
