Ototo now has some great sake in stock you FTC sake fans should try (bring freezer packs and cold bags with you to transport them). These sake are distributed by Jessie of Fifth Taste based up here, some of you may remember him from the sake event last year at Yamasho.
https://www.ototola.shop/s/order
Kid Junmai Ginjo Hiyaroshi (first time ever available in the US) - fall draft sake that is single pasteurized during the spring, aged six months or so, and then released in the fall. Had this in Tokyo almost two years ago and it was quite excellent
Kaze No Mori “Black” Tsuyuhakaze Junmai Muroka
Nama Genshu. Fresh bottlings means it has some effervescence. This one will also grab your attention!
Takacho Bodaimoto - this sake is made by the same brewery that makes Kaze No Mori and is brewed with an ancient sake making method. It’s a bit sweeter but very acidic. Dead perfect with foie gras, or even chicken liver Yakitori. Or if you have some salty fatty protein you want to cut it with. Also quite enjoyable on its own. I believe it’s pasteurized, but if you’re lucky the bottle may have some light effervescence, definitely will be more in the other two bottles.
All wonderful food friendly fresh sake, where the quality is as close to what sake bars and kappo izakaya might pour in neighborhood places in Japan.