We offered this earlier this year as a new discovery, and now that our clients have had a chance to taste the bottles, we have received many requests for more, and we are happy to offer it at the same low price. Maboroshi's Junmai Daiginjo Genshu "Mystery" (Kurobako) is a new sake we have started to work with. In the US, this sake is known as Mystery, but in Japan, it is called Kurobako. It is the flagship bottle of Maboroshi's lineup and the ultimate expression of the brewery. Located in Hiroshima, historically known for its excellent sake thanks to the region's naturally soft water, it is brewed with the gold standard of sake rice, Yamada Nishiki. The rice is polished to 45%, and this Junmai Daiginjo is brewed with apple yeast, discovered in 1940 by fourth-generation brewery master Kiyoma Nakao after testing over 2,000 different strains. The apple yeast showed excellent fermentation ability, acidity, and aromatic qualities, and the particular strain is still in use today. The sake is bottled as genshu at its natural strength (around 17–18% ABV) to preserve depth and length while enhancing expression. This has richness and power, but with a fantastic delicacy that creates a dramatic dynamic. The nose is precise and expressive with white peach, honeydew, Asian pear, yuzu zest, and lily with a faint anise note. The palate is concentrated yet buoyant, with a satin texture carrying ripe stone fruit and gentle umami over a clean, mineral line and pinpoint acidity on a long, superb finish. Serve around cellar temp to bring out the flavor and texture, and use a wine glass to let the aromatics expand. It's a stellar pairing for sashimi, scallop crudo, tempura with sea salt, or triple-cream cheeses—polished, distinctive, and the most compelling expression in the Maboroshi range, highly recommended for serious sake fans!