Taruzake is a callback style. Before glass bottles, sake used to be transported in barrels made from the inner layers of Yoshinosugi cedar trees (the barrels were traditionally handcrafted without any metal). This voyage imparted a specific woodsy & herbaceous flavor that modern sake drinkers began to crave once the barrels were obsolete. Choryo is responsible for bringing this style back, having their sake “age” for around two weeks in traditional Yoshinosugi barrels before bottling.

Choryo “Yoshinosugi” Tarusake”

Tarusake Yamahai Junmai/ChoryoShuzo,Nara

The experience:This might be a hot take, but when very chilled, this tarusake reminds me of a herbaceous martini. Try it with a hard chillin a coupe glass.

Process:Yamahai ABV: 14.5%

Ingredients:70% Bizen Omachi

Storage:keep in a cool, dark place