Chikurin's spring nama release for 2023 is a wonderfully lively sake, and in this year, compared to last, it has grown in structure and elegance while still keeping the electric tropical fruit-driven acidity that I've loved it for in past iterations. 

Aromatically, Chikurin "Lightness" shows a pleasing blend of lychee, pineapple, nuts, rice, and yeast. On the palate, we get pineapple, nougat, cashews, and creamy Brie cheese. 

Texturally this sake is very lively and fruity, with vibrant acidity while finishing surprisingly dry. It is medium-bodied with a pronounced structure that is formed by its interplay of juicy acidity and the dry finish. 

This is damn good food sake! Seriously, try it with anything. I'm very impressed with how well Chikurin's "Lightness" nama is so adaptable to so many textures and flavors. I've been having fun seeing how different foods get reflected by being put with Chikurin. The structure and vibrancy of this sake make this a super enjoyable task. I think my favorite pairing with this so far has been pickles.

Chikurin takes great pride that they brew this sake with rice that is grown by themselves, in the fields surrounding their brewery.  Their rice growing practice is focused on organic techniques, without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Their commitment to quality rice shows in the sake that they brew.