Norman

9.5

I rated this 3rd of the group but could have been second. It was a bit warmer which might have affected the rating (positively) for others. It’s great so no complaints and was also at the end of the dinner/other bottles which helps ;) — a day ago

Norman

9.3

Wish it had a little more oomph. Was even better with more air a day later. — 7 days ago

Norman

9.4

This dropped a ridiculous amount of sediment which might have taken a bit out of the wine from how I remember it. Still great but not as powerful and I thought more one note. — 7 days ago

Norman

9.6

I rated this second of the three. Similar to the 9 Suns which is not surprising with a bit more power. I loved it, others placed third due to the power/finish. — a day ago

Norman

9.5

I used to like Moonracer better but this is showing better and better. Had with Spanish food and it held up to the spices and still had plenty of aromatics — 6 days ago

Norman

9.6

If you are not a Grenache fan - you will be — 7 days ago

Norman

9.2

Houou Biden (鳳凰美田) Hiyaoroshi

Brewery: Kobayashi Shuzo, Oyama, Tochigi, Japan
Classification: Junmai Ginjo
Style: Hiyaoroshi (pasteurized once, summer-matured, autumn release)
Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Nanto, Toyama)
Polishing: 55%
ABV: 16%
Bottle: 720ml
Importer: Sake Suki (Bridgeport, PA)

The seasonal autumn release, rested through summer and bottled without the second pasteurization. The brewery describes a refined aroma, gentle sweetness reminiscent of wasanbon sugar and soft umami. Suitable chilled or gently warmed.

Tasted at Sushi Kinsen, Redwood City, 10/24/2026. We went with this bottle. Delightful.
— 14 days ago

Norman

9.6

I am a softie for this wine. I just love its plush approach. Now others put this, in the batch of three Realms (calling it one), either first with me or third behind The Bard. They clearly are outliers and now outsiders (ha!). It worked with the citrusy starters and as a first glass of the night - wonderful. — a day ago

Norman

9.4

Bit of age on it so you miss the acid but still great — 7 days ago

Norman

9.4

Ohmine 3 Grain Aiyama — 94/100

Brewery: Ohmine Shuzo (大嶺酒造), Mine, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Classification: Junmai Daiginjo specification
Rice: Aiyama (愛山)
Rice polishing: 50%
ABV: 15%
SMV: Not published
Acidity: Not published
Water: Benten spring water, Akiyoshidai limestone plateau
Bottle: 720 ml
Importer: Sake Suki, Bridgeport, Pennsylvania
Purchase: True Sake, $68
Bottling date: Unknown

Ohmine reopened in 2010 after a 50-year hiatus. Its soft spring water and minimalist brewing approach produce expressive, fruit-forward sake. Aiyama is prized for its ability to produce rich, rounded textures and pronounced fruit character.

My tasting notes: I may have found another rice varietal I really like besides Yamada Nishiki. Not as crisp or sharply delineated, but round, smooth and lush. Sweet with a distinct honeydew melon note. Very light effervescence with a subtle carbonic bitterness that adds some balance. Consistent with my previous tasting. Excellent sake, though probably better before dinner than with delicate sushi. 94 points. — 13 days ago