杉之森 Narai Passage 火入 720ml

Brewery History:
Suginomori was founded in 1793 in Narai-juku, Shiojiri, Nagano, at about 940 m—one of Japan’s highest breweries. After closing in 2012 it reopened in 2021 as suginomori brewery. The brand name narai comes from the Nakasendo post town. Sake is brewed with ultra-soft Kiso mountain water (hardness under 25) and Azumino rice, in a clear, modern style.

Sake Introduction:
Narai Passage is the gateway to the narai range—the name evokes the Nakasendo road and leads toward Kinmon and Sankei. Koji rice is Kinmonnishiki, kake rice Miyamanishiki (polish undisclosed), brewed with Narai spring water at 13%. This hiire bottling is rounder and more stable than the nama, with less spritz, and keeps better in a cool, dark place. Light, fruit-led and easy to drink.

Tasting Notes:
Nosing: Sweet strawberry-milk, white peach, Japanese pear and a hint of steamed chestnut.
Palate: Silky and light; rice umami meets transparent fruit, with tidier acidity than the nama.
Finish: Soft and clean, lifted by a gentle lemon note that never cloys.