We were invited to participate in a media-exclusive new product tasting event by KURAND, a company that regularly provides alcohol to the Saiga NAK editorial department, where alcohol lovers gather!
In the post-COVID era, offline events have been held one after another, but the most important thing is definitely the ability to taste products.
Over 30 new varieties are released every month, and we were able to taste strictly selected alcoholic beverages from among them.
Review
The following are the four variations we tasted this time:
- Source Code (Sake)
- Shirokuma Rock (Sake)
- Craft Cola at Night (Premium Sour Base)
- Cherry Blossoms, Strawberries, and Cherries (Liqueur)
Source Code
Source Code is a sake from Yamagata Prefecture, and the price is 1,990 yen (tax included) for 720ml.
JavaScript code is written on the label, and there is a gimmick that occurs when you execute it.
Actually, there is apparently a typo, which you will find out when you run it.
The playful spirit of turning a mistake into entertainment is wonderful.
If you are interested, buy it and try running it!
The taste is rich, but the aftertaste is clean.
You can feel the strength characteristic of dry sake as it passes through your nose.
Shirokuma Rock
Shirokuma Rock is a sake from Gifu Prefecture, and the price is 2,490 yen (tax included) for 720ml.
Luminous ink is used on the label; when it glows in the dark, musical instruments emerge, and it transforms into a rock-and-roll appearance.
It is a slightly unusual item—a sake specifically for drinking on the rocks.
It is sweet, but drinking it on the rocks gives it a chilled and refreshing taste.
Since it is meant to be drunk on the rocks, the alcohol content is set a bit high.
You can gulp it down easily, so be careful not to drink too much.
Craft Cola at Night
Craft Cola at Night is a premium sour base from Wakayama Prefecture, and the price is 2,990 yen (tax included) for 500ml.
It is illustrated in gold against a navy background, a design reminiscent of the night sky.
The aroma is quite spicy.
It was so intense that the author's brain could not process it and became confused, wondering if it was curry, food, or a drink.
It is made with a plum wine base, and it is a very unusual craft cola alcohol that feels like plum wine despite being a cola.
Cherry Blossoms, Strawberries, and Cherries
Cherry Blossoms, Strawberries, and Cherries is a premium sour base from Iwate Prefecture, and the price is 3,990 yen (tax included) for 500ml.
Strawberries and cherry blossoms are drawn on the bottle, giving a pop impression, but the text is sharp; I personally like this exquisite balance.
The cherry blossoms used are salt-pickled, and although it is sweet, the saltiness serves as a good accent.
Because of the robust flavor, it is best to drink it while slowly savoring the taste.
Since no coloring or additives are used, the taste of the ingredients is brought to life.
The recommended way to drink it is neat.
All-You-Can-Drink at Night
At the tasting venue, SAKE MARKET Shinjuku Store, during night hours, you can reasonably enjoy about 100 types of sake, fruit liquor, plum wine, and shochu. The all-you-can-drink plan costs 3,600 yen (tax included) with no time limit.
Alcohol is lined up tightly in the refrigerator.
Plum wine and shochu that can be stored at room temperature are lined up here.
There is water, sparkling water, and ice, so you can mix and drink as you like.
There is a glass washer, so it is nice to be able to wash your glass every time you change your drink.
Future Events Planned
The reality is that the number of sake breweries across Japan is decreasing every year.
Many hidden breweries continue to make high-quality alcohol, and it is a pleasure to be able to learn about them through collaborations with KURAND.
Since they plan to hold tasting events in the future, I would like to participate again if there is an opportunity.
The alcohol we tasted this time can be purchased at KURAND, so please try any products that interest you!