Momokawa describes its Oirase Junmai Ginjō (桃川 おいらせ流純米吟醸) as a mellow sake, produced through slow, low-temperature brewing and slow fermentation. It uses local rice from Aomori Prefecture and water from the Oirase River.
Momokawa Brewery is located between the Hachinohe and Misawa in Kamiakedo, Kamikita District, in Aomori Prefecture. The history of Momokawa starts at the end of the Edo period (1603-1867) when the influential Miura (三浦) family, owners of 100 koku, started to produce sake using the pure water of the Oirase River. In 1889, Murai Kuramatsu (村井倉松), a resident of Hachinohe, acquired the brewery and set up the Murai Sake Brewery, calling his sake "Momokawa". In 1944, following wartime legislation, Momokawa merged with other breweries in Shimakita and Kamikita districts, establishing Nikita Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (二北酒造株式会社). At the end of World War II, only five of the 13 brewing facilities merged under Momokawa survived. In 1984, those four factories were split from Nikita Brewery, which was renamed Momokawa Brewing Co., Ltd. (桃川株式会社), a name it has been using to the present day. The company is still in the hands of the Murai family. In 1996, Momogawa started production in Portland, Oregon, under the Japan-America Beverage Company (JABC). Momokawa has won countless international and domestic awards and honours.
Momokawa's premier brands are Nebuta, Sugidama, and Momokawa.
Subtle nose of steamed rice and strong lactic elements, which were more pronounced than last time. Gentle and almost creamy entry, full-bodied and soft and savoury on the palate, with earthy tones, mild acidity, and a gentle sweetness from the rice. Smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Finishes clean and short, leaving a lingering hint of rice aroma.
For the third time, Oirase, Momokawa's classic Junmai Ginjō, is just getting better.
Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: rice, cereal, lactic
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: rice, cereal, lactic
Texture: creamy
Finish: short, clean
Quality level: very good
Since we last tried it in 2021, Momokawa's Oiraseryu got a complete makeover. Some of the specs have also changed: SMV +2.0, acidity 1.4.
Subtle nose carrying the scent of steamed rice. Soft and savoury on the palate, with earthy tones, mild acidity, and a gentle sweetness from the rice. Smooth, velvety mouthfeel. Finishes clean and short, leaving a lingering hint of rice aroma.
Appearance: clear and lemon-green
Nose: clean and medium
Aroma: rice, cereal
Sweetness: slightly dry
Acidity: medium
Umami: medium+
Alcohol: medium
Body: medium
Flavour intensity: medium
Flavour characteristics: rice, cereal
Texture: standard
Finish: short, clean
Quality level: very good
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