Yaegaki Junmai Sake Kuro-bin

I decided several weeks ago that I need to start drinking more random products. You know, the scotches, vodkas, cordials, and other items that customers inquire about. So, that led me to grab a bottle of sake for tonights tasting.
First of all, the word sake is pronounced with an "A" sound on the end, like saakay (not saakee). Secondly, sake is not a rice wine; the process of making sake is more closely related to that of brewing a beer. Sake is not a beer either. Sake is sake, its own category of liquor: like gin, vodka, or rum.
There are various regions throughout Japan where they brew all different types and qualities of sake, and this Yaegaki Junmai is only the beginning...
So, Yaegaki Junmai Sake Kuro-bin... The word Junmai refers to the purity of the sake, that only rice, water, and the Koji mold were used during the brewing process. Some sake has alcohol added, and sometimes other flavors are added. Junmai simply means "pure rice.". The Kuro-bin comes in a 300mL bottle with a screw cap, and labeled as 14% - 14.9% alcohol.
When you pour the Kuro-bin, it looks nearly as clear as water. There is no carbonation to most sake, although you can find carbonated sake (sparkling sake). I swirl it around in the snifter like I would a nice wine, to release the aromas. When I put my nose in the glass, I get soft hints of light fruits, flowers, and perfume-like notes. The smell is very soft and reserved when the sake is still cold.
The taste of the sake is just a little more bold. At just over 14% alcohol, I can tell the alcohol is present, but there is absolutely no burn. The flavors are very soft and smooth, with hints of gentle fruits, and the same light flowery notes that I smelled a minute ago. The Kuro-bin is very elegant, refined, and silky.
I leave a bit of the sake as I finish my meal to warm to room temperature. As it warms, the aromas are more pronounced, and almost seem to overpower the taste. Although I am surprised by how elegant and smooth the Kuro-bin is, even at room temperature.
Yaegaki Junmai Sake Kuro-bin
T.C.S.H. Rating: 8/10
Aka - delicious, I'd be happy to have this again
Sent from a BlackBerry, please excuse the typos.