THAT SUMMER SPIRIT
Sake Samurai Natsuki Kikuya and Beverage Director Marc-Andrea Levy choose their top picks for Japanese whisky and sake to enjoy in the warmer months. They’re all available to pick up in Sakaya, our bottle shop and micro bar.
PART 1
Marc-Andrea Levy, Pantechnicon Beverage Director
THE WHISKY LIST
YOICHI SINGLE MALT | THE NIKKA WHISKY COMPANY
A terrific single malt from Nikka Whisky’s Yoichi distillery which opened in 1934. A smoky and rich single malt with balancing fruity notes, it also has a slightly saline character and an incredibly delicate finish of eucalyptus. It’s a fantastically balanced whisky for enjoying during the warmer months. £80
ICHIRO’S MALT DOUBLE DISTILLERIES | CHICHIBU/HANYU DISTILLERIES
Chichibu’s master distiller Ichiro Akuto is a rock star of the whisky world and this is a great introduction to his work. A combination of casks from the Chichibu and Hanyu distilleries, it’s deliciously nutty with hints of spice. It’s one for those who aren’t sure they like whisky, as it always changes their mind! £145
MARS KASEI | MARS SHINSHU DISTILLERY
A blend of malt and grain whiskies from the Shinshu distillery – the highest altitude distiller in Japan. With fragrant notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, alongside notes of red plum and nectarine on the palate, it’s a taste of summer that works great mixed with sparkling water to make a high ball. £52
PART 2
Natsuki Kikuya, Sake Samurai & Sommelier
THE SAKE LIST
KAMOKINSHU TOKUBETSU JUNMAI 13 | KANEMITSU SHUZO, HIROSHIMA
The Kamokinshu brand specialises in hand-crafted premium sake using only locally cultivated, high-quality, sake-specific rice. With a juicy aroma that allows you to fully enjoy the taste of rice, while having a comparatively low alcohol content of 13%, this sake is one of our favourites from the brewery and great for enjoying on a warm afternoon. £57
INE MANKAI ROSE | MUKAI SHUZO, KYOTO
The Ine Mankai from Mukai Shuzo is made with an ancient strain of red rice called Murasaki along with local Iwai rice from Kyoto. It has a complex cherry and vanilla aroma with unique bursts of sweet and tart cherry and pomegranate flavours, as well as an umami rich palate that works equally well with savoury and sweet dishes. £60
DAISHICHI MINOWAMON JUNMAI DAIGINJO | DAISHICHI, FUKUSHIMA
From the brewery’s establishment in 1752, through to the present 10th generation master brewer, Daishichi has always insisted on sticking to the age-old Kimoto method of brewing sake. Daishichi Minowamon is one of the first sakes using this method to win gold medals at leading awards. The crisp, mellow taste makes it a beautifully refreshing sake. £90