Senkin Shuzo is the oldest kura (brewery) in Tochigi prefecture, dating to 1806. The 11th generation represented by the two dedicated brothers has been responsible for giving a modern twist to traditional sake and the elder brother, Kazuki Usui, a former wine sommelier is applying his wine knowledge to refine the sake style at Senkin and is a innovator in believing that sake can express terroir – in the way that wine does. Senkin 50, with a polishing ratio of 50%, is a very atypical type of premium daiginjo sake as it has a beautiful balance between sweet and sour and a full bodied taste. It is a lighter sake in flavor and texture but with a presence, density, elegance and balance that only top quality sake can provide. The date on the bottle proves that Senkin takes the nama very seriously. Unlike wine the vintage doesn’t refer to good or bad year but refers to the fact that nama sakes are unpasteurized which involves that the natural yeasts will change the aromas of the nihonshu every year. There is a lovely perfumed touch of tropical fruits, with some peach and pear, beautiful to pair with a wide range of dishes.