Yaegaki Sake Junmai

Rating: 8/23 I'm intrigued by this because it's a junmai sake, yet it's very inexpensive. Nose: Rich and somewhat peculiar. There's a combination of cheese and dirty socks. It's not overpowering and somewhat fits the rich, oily texture, but it's still rather unpleasant overall. Palate: Yuck! It's strangely sour. It has a funkiness that's somewhat bitter with an odd mustiness. That same cheesy sock flavor from the nose is present but somewhat masked by the other tastes. There's a hint of spice, but it's minimal, like baking spices. It's harsh. There's significantly more burn than expected. Finish: Somewhat vegetal with that unpleasant flavor lingering. There's a spicy harshness and some petrol as well. It's not intensely strong, but it's all negative. - Conclusion - This is an unappealing sake. It's not terrible, but it's difficult to drink. The sourness is particularly off-putting. It reminds me somewhat of a specific type of mezcal. If not for that and the harshness, the funkiness wouldn't be as noticeable. The sourness and harshness are quite bad. I don't see this rating higher than a 9. A 7 might be a bit harsh, but not by much. I'm leaning towards an 8. A 10 is faintly possible. Eh, it could be a 9. Actually, reconsidering the finish after another sip, that petrol note is unacceptable. I'm now thinking a 7 or an 8, with a 6 being faintly possible. Given that the flavor profile is quite mild (it is sake, after all), I'm settling on an 8.

Mild, smooth, and pleasing with a gentle warmth and a nice taste.