While most people feel revulsion when spotting a centipede, I have always been attracted by these fascinating creatures. Except for the two instances when we had them in our futon at night. Anyhow, the image of a mukade on a sake bottle leaves a powerful impression. The brewery describes them as poisonous yet caring critters and uses the Chinese characters 無風 (mukaze, "no wind") in a wordplay on mukade, Japanese for "centipede".
Junmai Mukaze Betsukoshirae is made of Hidahonmare rice grown in Gifu Prefecture. Registered in 1982, this variety has large grains and low protein content. The Mukaze has a sweet nose of banana and pineapple. The first sip reveals an intense flavour of banana and strawberry, followed by a sweet alcoholic aroma and a herbal, earthy-tangy aftertaste with a spicy tingle. It is moderately dry and turns even sweeter as the temperature rises, with more fruits and umami emerging. It is exceptionally smooth and pleasing and deserves its stars.
The Mukaze brand features three other sake, all of them on our shortlist.
Junmai Mukaze Betsukoshirae is made of Hidahonmare rice grown in Gifu Prefecture. Registered in 1982, this variety has large grains and low protein content. The Mukaze has a sweet nose of banana and pineapple. The first sip reveals an intense flavour of banana and strawberry, followed by a sweet alcoholic aroma and a herbal, earthy-tangy aftertaste with a spicy tingle. It is moderately dry and turns even sweeter as the temperature rises, with more fruits and umami emerging. It is exceptionally smooth and pleasing and deserves its stars.
The Mukaze brand features three other sake, all of them on our shortlist.