With sake becoming an ever-increasingly popular choice for food matching in restaurants across the UK, Love Drinks have unveiled a new duo of Japanese speciality drinks ahead of the busy festive season and 2024.
Part of the Ikigai Collection, which has been carefully curated by BBC Spirits, the new tantalising double act launching includes Samurai Sake and Kohaku No Madormi – a Honkaku Shochu.
Samantha Burke, Managing Director of Love Drinks, commented:
“Beer and spirits such as mezcal have been breaking wine’s hold on food matching these past few years and sake is the latest to be seeing serious interest in this area. With Japanese food, drink and culture continuing to be popular amongst the UK’s discerning consumers, we believe this delicious duo can add further excitement to the sector ahead of the season for serious indulgence.”
THE SAKE
Samurai Sake, Junmai Daiginjo Genshu, 16% ABV
Produced at the Asahikawa Distillery in Hokkaido, Samurai sake is made to the exacting Japanese standards and is the highest grade of rice polishing sake with a beautiful balance of dry and umami flavours. With a clear appearance and yeasty, almost sourdough notes on the nose, Samurai sake is round and harmonious on the palate with a long, pleasant finish. Traditionally, sake is consumed cold, hot, or on ice as the Samurai used to drink it but nowadays it is also enjoyed with soda and/or lime juice or even in cocktail serves. When it comes to food, try alongside sushi, sashimi, seafood and salmon tartar.
THE SHOCHU
Kohaku No Madoromi, Honkaku Shochu, 25% ABV
Produced by the Kurume Distillery in Kyushu, this top grade traditional shochu is distilled with 87% sweet potatoes and 13% rice, fermented with black koji. Light gold in appearance with a hint of undergrowth and spice on the nose, it’s rich and velvety on the palate with a slightly sweet, complex finish.
This latest launch follows the roll out by Love Drinks of the ‘La’ trio of Japanese liqueurs, Etsu Gin and three ranges from Japan’s Kurayoshi Distillery in the last 12 months.
Greg Kimber, Director for UK & Ireland at BBC Spirits, said:
“Interest for high quality Japanese spirits and liqueurs is booming and showing no signs of slowing down. These two artisan libations offer real provenance and a window into Japan’s historic and traditional drink culture. Fantastic alongside and when matched to food, we have high hopes this festive season and beyond.”
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