ABOUT THIS BOTTLE

Hakkaisan 3 Year Aged “Yukimuro”

This sake has two things in common with Elsa of Arendelle. Like Elsa, it lives surrounded in snow in a Yukimuro, or a snow storage vault, and like Elsa, it mellows out at end of the show thanks to its three-year aging process. Nearly 1000 tons of snow is brought in once a year from the low hills behind the brewery into the nearly 19,000 square-feet insulated Yukimuro, where the sake is stored for three years. The snow keeps the vault at a stable 3–5°C (about 37–41°F) throughout the year without any need for electricity. The sake is made with a slightly higher alcohol content to maintain the flavors through the long aging period. The bottle is also worthy of mention; designed by graphic designer Kenya Hara (art director for Muji, among many other things), it is an all-white wonder, even the inside and the stopper are white. The aging achieves a deeper complexity and smoothes out any sharp edges. The higher acidity level makes it a good companion to a wider variety of cuisines. This is a sake that packs a punch with its complex aroma and umami-forward palate, but with a dry, clean, crisp finish.