Kokuryu is one of Japan's most famous and revered 'soft-water' breweries drawn from the subterranean flow of Kuzuryugawa 'Nine-Headed Dragon River', which leads to more subtle nuanced flavors and a silkier mouthfeel than the more common, crisp, hard-water, mineral laden Sake breweries. Their Ginjo Sakes are multi-layered and complex but Silk Dragon, at the Daiginjo level with a 50% polish ratio of Gohyakumangoku rice and careful aging for 18-24 months, takes it a step further. Svelte and silky smooth, this medium-bodied, perfectly balanced Sake reveals mysterious, deep forest flavors with hints of banana, guava and cocoa. This is an extremely rare Daiginjo that actually improves when warmed to a recommended 108 degrees to release the subtle, complex flavors but it’s equally excellent cold. Incredibly food friendly, it complements Yakitori and Teriyaki chicken, Sukiyaki, Wagyu beef or an exotic Yunnan Matsutake mushroom stir-fry.