Sake

Oh good!  You're back.  Had enough of the sweet stuff?  Finding that this in-between weather is leaving you in need of a drink?  Well, it is too warm for scotch or port in front of a fireplace, and not warm enough yet for margaritas and mojitos on the porch.  So, I'm recommending sake.  Served in its own little jar with a tiny cup to drink it from, sake is not only about the taste, but about the experience.

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Sake is a Japanese beverage made of primarily water and white rice, brewed much like beer.  It can be flavored and is meant to be consumed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.  The Japanese also use sake in cooking!

Ozeki sake is an easy-to-find, inexpensive brand that has been brewed in Japan for almost 300 years and also here in the U.S. for about 30 now.  

Nose:  Very little.  Slight sweetness.

Palate:  Not syrupy, as you might expect.  Definite rice.

Finish:  Very nice.  Smooth.  Warming.  Not alcoholic tasting.

If you buy a bottle, sake is meant to be kept cool and dark.  Often, liquor stores that carry it won't take proper care of the sake, and it won't taste as good when you get it home.  Enjoy, of course with rice dishes.  I find it to be a wonderful complement to spicy food as well.