Welcome, sake enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a delightful journey into the world of Homare Strawberry Nigori, a sake that’s more like a strawberry smoothie with a kick. This sake-based liqueur hails from the Homare Brewing Company in Fukushima prefecture and is the result of five years of trial and error, with over 1,000 flavors tested before the brewers decided on this supreme strawberry flavor. This isn’t just a sake, it’s a sweet, fruity adventure that’s perfect for those who enjoy aperitif-style drinks.
Homare Strawberry Nigori: A Sweet Surprise
Homare Strawberry Nigori Sake is a delightful, sweet nigori that’s a personal favorite for those who enjoy aperitif-style drinks. This sake-based liqueur is the product of five years of trial and error, with the brewers trying more than 1,000 flavors before deciding on this all-natural strawberry flavor. It’s a non-traditional sake that’s been a local favorite for 50 years and is best served as is, on the rocks, or with added milk.
- ✅ Sake Classification: Nigori
- ✅ Aroma & Flavor: Rich, sweet with fresh strawberry notes
- ✅ Sake Meter Value: -86.0
- ✅ Acidity Level: 4.8
- ✅ Alcohol Content: 8.5%
- ✅ Rice Polishing Ratio: 70%
PROS
- Perfect for those who enjoy sweet, aperitif-style drinks
- Unique strawberry flavor adds a fun twist to traditional sake
- Best served as is, on the rocks, or with added milk
- Pairs well with dessert or as an after-dinner drink
CONS
- May be too sweet for some palates
- Not a traditional style of sake
- Availability might vary depending on location
What is Nigori Sake?
Nigori sake, often referred to as ‘cloudy sake’, is a type of sake that retains some of the rice lees (the solid remnants of rice) after the fermentation and pressing process. This gives the sake a cloudy appearance and a richer, creamier texture compared to clear sake.
The word ‘Nigori’ in Japanese translates to ‘cloudy’, reflecting the sake’s unique visual characteristic. The rice lees left in the sake contribute to a sweeter and more robust flavor profile, making Nigori sake a popular choice for those who enjoy sake with a bit more body and complexity.
It’s important to note that Nigori sake should be gently shaken before serving to mix in the sediment that settles at the bottom of the bottle. This ensures you get the full flavor experience. Nigori sake is typically served chilled and can be paired with a wide variety of foods, from spicy dishes to desserts.
The Homare sake we’ve been discussing is a delightful example of a flavored Nigori sake, where the creamy texture of the Nigori style is complemented by the natural sweetness of strawberries. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy sweeter, fruitier beverages.
Homare Stawberry Nigori Notes/Flavors
The Homare Strawberry Nigori is a rich and sweet sake that’s like an alcoholic strawberry smoothie. Here’s what you can expect:
Nose: The aroma is a delightful bouquet of fresh strawberries, as if you’ve just bitten into a ripe, juicy berry.
Taste: On the palate, it’s rich and sweet, with the natural strawberry flavor shining through. There are no flavoring agents or acidifiers here, just the pure, natural taste of strawberries added to a mellow nigori that has been a local favorite for 50 years.
Texture: The texture is smooth and creamy, much like a strawberry smoothie. It’s a unique experience that sets this sake apart from more traditional offerings.
Pairing
The Homare Strawberry Nigori is recommended as an aperitif, perfect for starting off a meal or enjoyed on its own. Its sweet, fruity flavor makes it a delightful companion to desserts or fresh fruits. It’s also a great match for light, creamy cheeses or a bowl of fresh strawberries for a double dose of berry goodness.
Alcohol Content
With an alcohol content of 8.5%, the Homare Strawberry Nigori is a relatively mild sake, making it perfect for those who prefer their drinks on the lighter side. This ABV level allows the flavors and aromas of the sake to shine through without being overshadowed by the alcohol.
Ingredients
The Homare Strawberry Nigori is made with sake rice and Association No. 7 yeast variety. The rice polishing ratio is 70%, which means that 30% of the outer layer of the rice has been polished away, leaving behind the starchy core that’s ideal for sake brewing.
Where to Buy Strawberry Sake
If you’re looking to add a splash of fruity delight to your sake collection, look no further than Tippsy Sake. They offer the Homare Strawberry Nigori, a sweet and flavorful sake that’s like a strawberry smoothie in a bottle. You can purchase it here and have it delivered straight to your doorstep.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! For those who enjoy exploring different flavors, Tippsy Sake offers a Flavored & Fruity Set. This set includes the Homare Strawberry Nigori, along with Tsukasabotan “Yuzu” and Sawanotsuru “Plum Sake”. It’s a fantastic way to sample a variety of fruity sakes. You can check out the Flavored & Fruity Set here.
Homare “Strawberry” Nigori
STRAWBERRY NIGORI SAKE!
Embark on a delightful journey with Homare “Strawberry” Nigori, a sake-based liqueur that’s a joy to the senses. It’s not just a sake, it’s a strawberry-infused adventure. With its rich, sweet strawberry notes and creamy texture, it’s a versatile companion for a variety of foods and desserts. It’s a local favorite for a strawberry sake, and I hope it becomes yours too.
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