That's a lot of words I don't understand and probably can't pronounce correctly for a title. I know that Hakushika is the name of the place that makes this rice wine, and I know sake is simply the type of beverage (the aforementioned rice wine). Junmai is a reference to the variety of sake and it usually specifies some things like alcohol and "minimum rice polishing ratio." I don't know how one would polish rice and how that polishing is determined to be at some level.
I've never had sake before, and I've been told that I most assuredly will not like it. I have seen people drink it in movies before, so I know it's generally clear, but it's usually served in little ceramic cups. I don't have any of those, and I am disinclined to get special drinkware for something I might never have again (although I went out of my way to get special glasses when I picked up that Utopias, but that was a special occasion).Upon pouring, I am struck by the fact that this doesn't leave the same weepers that a wine or mead (or even cream) does. Maybe it's just the clear nature of the beverage, but I've seen clear moonshines that leave a bunch of weepers on the sides as the liquid sloshes, but I don't see much here. The aroma is that of boiled rice water and alcohol. I guess it smells exactly like what it is.
First sip is not the best. It's boiled rice water strained through a gym sock - and a bit more water. On the plus side, it isn't screaming alcohol at me. Furthermore, boiled rice water, while not particularly appetizing, isn't like coffee or anything. So, I think I can make it through the amount that I poured, but this taste isn't going to make me come back for more from the bottle.
Bottom Line: Not something I'll get again.
1.25/5