Sasanokawa Honjozo Karakuchi Ichi

Karakuchi Ichi is made for people who drink whisky. Sasanokawa has a long history in both sake and Japanese whisky, and this honjozo is brewed dry to an extreme: SMV +22.7, about as dry as sake gets. A touch of distiller's alcohol lifts the aroma, and it's brewed with Hitomebore, a hardy table rice from cold country that stands up to a long fermentation.

Intensely dry, but layered with licorice, Asian pear, green apple, and dried fruit. The mouthfeel recalls a dry sherry, finishing clean and crisp.

Best chilled or on the rocks. Pair with hearty dishes.