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Ninki Ichi Kanshu Special (人気燗酒スペシャル) 

This sake from the relatively new Ninki Ichi brewery (established in 2007) won the Kan Sake (Hot sake) award in 2010. It's aptly named then, as it's called the Ninki Ichi Kanshu (Hot sake) Special.

It's made from Yamada Nishiki rice polished down to 60%, and it's made from rice and kouji only.

It has a Nihonshudo of +3 so should/could be fairly dry.

One thing I liked about this bottle is the interesting label, and it's nice woven papery feel.

First I had this at room temperature, and it had a smooth, warm, slightly perfumey, floral nose.

On the palate it was smooth and crisp, not tart or acidic.
Very easy to drink, it slipped down the throat.

It had a mellow flavour with a subtle hint of white chocolate or something.
There was a bit of an alcohol aftertaste.

At room temperature I scored this a 90.

I then tried it hot. The bottle recommends 45deg C, and I used a wine thermometer and had it at 43degs (near enough!).

It was really smooth, mellow and a little cloying.
The white chocolate sensation is more prominent, with a subtle roughness in the mouth too, almost powdery on the palate afterwards.

This is really good warm, and I can see why it won the Kanshu award.

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