＜sugata junmai ginjo muroka namagenshu pic＞
What is Muroka Nama Genshu?
Muroka Nama Genshu is a type of sake that is made without filtering, pasteurizing, or diluting. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of its production process.
Muroka Nama Genshu is sake as it is straight from pressing.
Generally, sake undergoes processes such as filtering to remove solids, pasteurization for sterilization, and dilution to adjust alcohol content and flavor balance after the moromi (fermented mash) is pressed. Muroka Nama Genshu, however, skips these steps, allowing you to enjoy the sake as it is straight from pressing.
Young, fresh, and punchy flavor
Muroka Nama Genshu tends to have a young, fresh, and punchy flavor, combining the characteristics of nama sake (unpasteurized sake) and genshu (undiluted sake).
Many also have a strong aroma derived from the raw rice, offering a rich and deep flavor unique to Muroka Nama Genshu.
Differences from other types of sake
Let's compare Muroka Nama Genshu with sake that undergoes filtering, pasteurization, and dilution.
Differences from filtered sake
Unlike filtered sake, which is often colorless and clear, unfiltered sake tends to have a slightly cloudy appearance and a yellowish tint, allowing you to enjoy the true flavor of the sake.
In the general sake brewing process, after pressing the morori, a process called "oribiki" is performed to remove small solid particles such as rice and yeast. This is followed by further filtration using specialized equipment or activated carbon. Filtration makes the sake colorless and clear, resulting in a clean taste.
Differences from pasteurized sake
While sake that undergoes two rounds of pasteurization typically has a mellow and stable flavor, nama sake, including Muroka Nama Genshu, which is not pasteurized, offers a young and fresh taste.
In the sake brewing process, pasteurization, which involves heating the sake to around 60-65 degrees Celsius, is usually performed twice, before storage and before bottling. The purpose of pasteurization is to inactivate saccharifying enzymes and yeast, stabilize the quality and flavor of the sake, and kill heat-resistant bacteria.
Therefore, while nama sake needs to be refrigerated, twice-pasteurized sake is more stable and can be stored at room temperature before opening.
Differences from diluted sake
While sake that is diluted has a more balanced flavor, genshu, including Muroka Nama Genshu, which is not diluted, tends to have a higher alcohol content and a rich aroma.
Dilution is not done to increase the volume but to adjust the flavor balance by adding water to the sake, which has a high alcohol content when it is first pressed.
In recent years, there have been some Muroka Nama Genshu products with a lower alcohol content, even though they are not diluted. These are recommended for those who don't like high-alcohol sake.
How to store Muroka Nama Genshu
As Muroka Nama Genshu is unfiltered and unpasteurized, containing active saccharifying enzymes and yeast as well as lees, it does not have a long shelf life. It should be stored in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This applies to both opened and unopened bottles.
To prevent the development of a peculiar off-flavor called "namahiineka" (aged aroma of raw sake), it is essential to store it at a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius or lower.
Also, be careful of ultraviolet rays, which can damage the sake. In addition to sunlight, fluorescent lights also emit ultraviolet rays. If you are concerned about lighting, it is recommended to wrap the bottle in newspaper or store it in a box.
Once opened, oxidation will proceed, so it is best to consume it as soon as possible. If you want to make it last a little longer, there are devices that can remove the air from the bottle and create a vacuum seal.
Recommended ways to drink Muroka Nama Genshu
Muroka Nama Genshu is best enjoyed chilled. Its refreshing taste is enhanced when served cold.
Given its high alcohol content and rich flavor, it is also recommended to serve it on the rocks. The charm of drinking it on the rocks lies in the fact that it allows you to enjoy the flavor while making it easier to drink. As the ice melts slowly, the taste becomes mellower, allowing you to enjoy the changes in flavor.
Some Muroka Nama Genshu is also delicious when warmed, so it is a good idea to ask the sake retailer about the recommended drinking temperature when purchasing.
Recommended Muroka Nama Genshu brands
Here is a recommended Muroka Nama Genshu that you should try once.
Ganki Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu Noni: This is one of the standard products of the "Ganki" brand by Yaoshin Brewery in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It was the second sake released after the brand was launched. Brewed with Yamada Nishiki, a premium sake rice, with a polishing ratio of 50%, this sake has an alcohol content of 17%, which is slightly higher, but it has a smooth mouthfeel and a rich aroma characteristic of Junmai Ginjo. You can enjoy the taste of freshly pressed sake as it is, with its elegant and glossy flavor.
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