Maboroshi's Junmai Daiginjo Genshu "Mystery" (Kurobako) is a new sake we just brought on that we have never offered before. This sake is known as Mystery in the US, 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, which is historically known for its excellent sake due to the region's naturally occurring soft water, lends itself as the basis for purity and finesse here, 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 was found to have excellent fermentation ability, acidity, and aromatic qualities and the particular strain is still in use today. The sake is bottled 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, a satin texture carrying ripe stone fruit and gentle umami over a clean, mineral line with pinpoint acidity on the 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!