Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Review

Last Updated July 2023

Ever had a drink with personality? One that could wink at you from across the bar, catching your eye with its playful charm? I’m not talking about your cheeky Friday night beer – this is about the radiant Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori, a sake with a life of its own.

Hakutsuru Sayuri is not just any Nigori – it’s the life of the party! Hailing from the legendary Hakutsuru brewing house, Sayuri Nigori is a coarsely filtered sake with a rebellious streak. It ranks #2 on our list of best cloudy sake, and it is a treat (our favorite, however, will always be Dassai 45 Nigori, for us it is the perfect texture and subtle sweetness, and full of fond memories!) Dressed in a delightful pink bottle that begs to be noticed, Sayuri stands out in the world of traditional sake packaging, all the while promising a delightful escapade.

Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Coarse Filtered Sake

Ever wondered what a spa treatment would look like if sakes had one? Well, consider coarse filtering, the secret behind nigori (cloudy) sake, as the equivalent of a premium mud bath. This technique, akin to a deluxe wellness package at a top-tier spa, keeps delightful ‘impurities’ in the sake.

And by ‘impurities’, we’re talking about particles of rice. Yes, you heard that right! These rice remnants in the coarse filtered sake are like the ultimate exfoliating body scrub. They add texture and natural sweetness, thanks to the residual sugars left behind.

Just as a mud bath leaves your skin rejuvenated, coarse filtering breathes life into our beloved Sayuri. It emerges as a vibrant, refreshed, and utterly delectable nigori sake, ready to charm your palate.

So, next time you take a sip of Sayuri, imagine it reclining elegantly in a sake spa, soaking up the goodness from a well-deserved pamper session. Now, that’s some luxury you can taste!

Notes/Flavors

Every bottle of sake sings its own tune, and Sayuri Nigori is no exception. Let’s waltz through the flavor notes of this delightful Junmai:

• Cherry and Cream: Cherry blossoms in full bloom, a dollop of lush cream, and hints of white grape join hands to offer a symphony of flavors that is sweet, rich, and complex.
• Smooth Finish: Despite its robust flavors, Sayuri’s ending note is as graceful as a ballerina’s pirouette – smooth, elegant, and inviting.

In the orchestra of sake, Sayuri Nigori plays a captivating tune. It’s sweet but not overpowering, creamy yet refreshing, a melody that lingers and invites you to take another sip. Ready for your own sake soiree? Get out there and explore the joyous journey of sake tasting. The dance floor awaits!

Pairing

When it comes to pairing Sayuri Nigori, it’s like setting up a delightful playdate for your taste buds. This creamy, rich, and sweet sake dances elegantly with a range of flavors:

• Meat: Its hearty richness makes it a perfect match for a sizzling steak or a juicy roast chicken.
• Seafood: Ever tried sushi with a side of sake? Sayuri’s subtle sweetness beautifully complements fresh seafood.
• Cheese: Cheese and sake, you ask? Absolutely! A creamy brie or a sharp cheddar brings out the full-bodied flavors of this sake.

Remember, tasting sake is all about exploring and enjoying the flavor journey. So don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your own favorite pairings.

Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake Alcohol Content

When it comes to the Hakutsuru Sayuri Junmai Nigori ABV (Alcohol By Volume), let’s put some spotlight on the muscle behind this alluring sake. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, it carries the same weight as a glass of wine, but served in a delightful, creamy, sake disguise.

Consider it as your friendly neighborhood companion that perfectly assists you in unwinding after a long, hectic day. It’s a tad bit cheeky, having the right amount of kick, but still maintains its wholesome charm. Unlike its whiskey counterpart, this won’t have you snoozing on the sofa, but rather, help you enjoy the evening in a relaxed and pleasant mood.

Sayuri Sake Ingredients

When it comes to the Sayuri Nigori, simplicity is its secret sauce. This delightful sake stays true to the Junmai style, meaning it’s brewed with only four pure ingredients:

• Rice: Grown in the fertile fields of Japan, this essential grain gives Sayuri its distinct, full-bodied flavor.
• Water: The unsung hero of sake brewing, it plays a pivotal role in determining the final taste.
• Yeast: This microscopic magician initiates fermentation, creating alcohol and imparting unique aromas.
• Koji: A mold grown on rice, it turns the rice’s starch into sugars ready for yeast to ferment. Koji is the heart of sake’s distinct, umami-rich flavor profile.

And here’s a little tidbit for our plant-loving friends: All of these ingredients are 100% plant-based, which means Sayuri Nigori is a vegan-friendly choice. So whether you’re a committed vegan or just looking for a new and exciting beverage, Sayuri welcomes you with open arms and a refreshing, creamy taste. Cheers to that!

Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake Nutrition Facts

If you’re watching your waistline but still want to dive into the delightful world of sake, you’re in luck! Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake is your trusty ally.

This flavorful yet light sip is made from Koji Rice and Spring Water, two simple ingredients that keep the calorie count under control. In just one ounce of Sayuri Nigori Sake, you’re looking at:

• Calories: Course filtered nigori sake has a modest 39 calories per 1oz pour. For a standard 6 oz pour, a nice glass of sake, this would equal 234 total calories. Enough to keep the party going, not enough to break the calorie bank.
• Carbs: Just 2g per 1 oz pour.
• Fat: Zero, zip, zilch! No need to worry about unsaturated, saturated, or any other types of fats.
• Protein: Another round of near zero. This drink’s all about the flavor, not the muscle building.

So, feel free to pour yourself another glass of this creamy, dreamy sake. It’s all about savoring the moment and savoring the flavor with Hakutsuru Nigori Sake – without any calorie-counting concerns. It’s truly a light-hearted (and light-bodied) way to celebrate the day, every day!

Where to buy a 720ml bottle of Sake Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori

If you’re interested in buying Hakutsuru Sayuri, we recommend going online. Online vendors typically offer a wider variety of premium sakes than physical stores, and Tippsy Sake is one of the best places to buy.

Not only does Tippsy offer individual bottles like Hakutsuru Sayuri 720ml, but they also have a unique subscription service. With the Tippsy Sake Club, you can receive a customized selection of sakes, carefully curated based on your tastes and preferences. This way, you can enjoy and discover new sakes without the hassle of selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does Hakutsuru Sayuri taste like?
Hakutsuru Sayuri has a unique, sweet, and fruity profile, featuring notes of cherry, cream, and a hint of strawberry. Its creamy texture complements the taste, providing a smooth and lush experience on the palate. However, despite its inherent sweetness, it isn’t overpowering, offering a balance that makes it appealing to both sake veterans and novices alike.

2. What is Hakutsuru Sayuri?
Hakutsuru Sayuri is a type of sake, specifically a Junmai Nigori, produced by Hakutsuru Brewing Company. “Sayuri” means “little lily,” fitting for this soft, floral noted Nigori sake. The pink, enticing bottle reflects the light, playful character of the brew inside.

3. What kind of sake is Sayuri?
Sayuri is a type of Junmai Nigori sake. Junmai refers to sake that is made exclusively from rice, water, and koji mold, with no added alcohol. Nigori, which translates to “cloudy,” refers to the fact that it’s coarsely filtered, allowing flavorful and aromatic sediments to remain, creating a creamy, cloudy beverage.

4. Is Sayuri sake sweet?
Yes, Hakutsuru Sayuri has a rich and sweet taste profile, but it’s balanced and not overly sweet. It’s got a Sake Meter Value (SMV) of -11.0, which indicates a sweeter sake.

5. How do you drink Hakutsuru Sayuri?
The best serving temperature for Hakutsuru Sayuri is cold, between 40-60°F. Its smooth, creamy texture and sweet taste can be enjoyed straight from a sake cup or glass. It’s recommended with food pairings like meat, seafood, and cheese, and makes a delightful accompaniment to spicy food or sweet desserts.

6. Is Sayuri good sake?
Yes, Sayuri is considered a good sake. It’s produced by Hakutsuru, one of the top-selling sake breweries in Japan. The taste and quality have made it a favorite among customers, as reflected in its high ratings and positive reviews.

7. Do you serve Sayuri sake warm or cold?
Sayuri is best served cold, at a temperature range of 40-60°F. This enhances its fruity, sweet flavors and creamy texture.

8. How strong is Hakutsuru sake?
Hakutsuru Sayuri has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of 12.5%, which is somewhat lower than many wines, but in line with other sakes.

9. Is Hakutsuru sake good?
Absolutely! Hakutsuru Brewing Company is known for its high-quality sake production. Hakutsuru Sayuri, with its fruity notes, creamy texture, and balanced sweetness, is one of their well-loved offerings. It’s a great entry-level Nigori for newcomers and a pleasing choice for sake connoisseurs.

In conclusion, whether you’re a sake connoisseur or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the delightful world of Nigori, Hakutsuru Sayuri is a flavorful, fun, and budget-friendly choice. Its delightful packaging and accessible flavor profile make it a must-try. So here’s to Sayuri, the little lily that blossomed into a superstar!

Looking for our favorite cloudy sake? Check out our article about Dassai 45 Nigori!