Region: Okayama, Japan

History: In 2001, Marumoto-san wanted to add a new dimension to his sake portfolio. After studying Belgian beer and champagne yeasts, he decided to experiment with producing naturally carbonated sparkling sake. After trial and experimentation, he successfully developed Hou Hou Shu and Hana Hou Hou Shu Rose sparkling sake. These were the first naturally sparkling sake in Japan. Made like Prosecco, this sake undergoes a secondary fermentation in the tank. This sake is made the same as Hou Hou Shu “Blue Clouds”, plus the infused addition of rose hips and hibiscus. This rose version, has a different complexity resembling tea-like phenolics, herbal quality, red berry fruit and an extra drying sensation on the palate.

Tasting Notes:

Rasberry on nose, cranberry on palate. Overall fruity but finishes mildly tart.