Hiro Junmai Sake

The rice is Gohyakumangoku–polished to 65%–from the Murakami plain, Niigata's signature variety, and junmai means exactly four ingredients: rice, koji, water, yeast. Expect earthy aromatics, creamy vanilla nougat, and peppered pear, then a silky palate that reads dry and fruity at once — melon, tapioca, white pepper — with a long, rounded finish. One of the sakes that genuinely rewards gentle warming.

Brewed by Taiyo Shuzo, a house formed from fourteen Niigata kura — the oldest operating since 1635 — whose toji was named a Master Craftsman of Niigata by the prefectural governor.

Food Pairing: Grilled fish, yakitori, tempura, roast chicken.