Polished gem

What is the epitome of a junmai daiginjyo sake (whose rice grain is polished till at least 50% of its size remains)? The talented brewers at Yamagata-based Tatenokawa brewery seem to have found the answer in the Tatenokawa 18 Nakadori. The junmai daiginjyo is touted to be Japan’s highest polished sake: the grain is milled or polished till 18% of its original size, reaching the centre of its prized starchy core. Its clean, delicate and irresistibly fragrant profile is one to savour slowly after a long day at the office.

$290. Available at Orihara. Tel: 6836 5710