Masumi : Oak-Aged Antipodes

Characteristics and tasting advice for Masumi Oak-Aged Antipodes

Tasting

Appearance
This sake stands out for its green-gold hue, a testament to its oak barrel aging that imparts this distinctive and elegant color.

Nose
Fresh and fleshy, this sake reveals silky rice grains accompanied by a delicate licorice bitterness. Fresh fruits blossom with aeration, with notes of pear and mirabelle, elevated by white flowers of lily of the valley and lily. Grape reminiscent of a white Grenache mingles harmoniously with lemongrass and orgeat.

Palate
Broad and dense, with a pleasant acidity, the attack reveals notes of starch and aromatic herbs such as chervil and anise. Lactic creaminess is refreshed by a minty white pepper character, while voluptuous rice grains spread on the finish, punctuated by noble fermentative and cheesy flavors. The long, velvety finish reveals vanilla and milky notes evoking rice pudding, with verdant tones of eucalyptus and legumes. The mouthwatering salinity of samphire and fleur de sel accompanies juicy flavors of ripe white grapes. The retro-olfaction, with vanilla and chocolate accents, impresses with its lactic softness and herbal notes of gentian liqueur.

Pairings and serving moments

This exceptional sake stands beautifully on its own and is ideally enjoyed between 43 and 54°F (6–12°C) to reveal the full complexity of its aromas developed during its oak barrel aging.

The refinement and precision of an exceptional Japanese sake

Masumi, an iconic Japanese sake house

Founded in 1662 by the Miyasaka family in Suwa in the Nagano region, this Japanese sake house Masumi takes its name from the sacred mirror of the Suwa Taisha shrine, symbolizing transparency and truth. Currently owned by Kazuhiro Miyasaka, the company distinguished itself through the development of the Masumi yeast, recognized as national yeast No. 7 in 1946 and widely used in Japan. After facing difficulties during the Meiji era due to competition, the House refocused on innovative, high-quality sakes and today perpetuates a tradition of over three centuries of excellence.

Oak-Aged Antipodes, an exceptional cuvée

Masumi Oak-Aged Antipodes represents the innovation and expertise of this centuries-old house. Crafted from yamada nishiki rice polished to 40%, this sake benefits from an exceptional production process. Brewed in 2014, it was barreled in 2020 before being bottled in May 2022, reflecting patient oak barrel aging that endows it with unique complexity.

Presented in an elegant wooden case with a label designed by artist Shinichiro Ogata since 2021, this 17% ABV sake in a 720 ml format embodies Japanese excellence. Its “Oak-Aged” designation highlights this rarity in the world of sake, where oak barrel aging brings vanilla notes and exceptional aromatic depth, creating a bold bridge between Japanese tradition and Western techniques.