Yaegaki Cloud Nigori Sake







This nonvintage California sake is of the nigori type, that is, unfiltered. The producer leaves the lees in the wine bottle. You upend the bottle to mix the cloudy fermentation residue into the wine and drink it that way. Cloudy wine is thoroughly a grievous fault in the European winemaking tradition, but give this a chance. It's traditional in Japan and gives a creamy appearance and yeasty and nutty flavors to the sake.

I like the unique character of unfiltered sake, and an experienced sake drinker who sampled this one with me pronounced it a good example of the type. Yaegaki Cloud has light fruity and nutty hints on the nose and a flavor reminiscent of cashews and pears. It is slightly sweet and would pair well with spicy food or a light dessert. Serve chilled.

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