Norman

9.1

Banshu Ikkon “Chō-kara” Junmai, i.e., “Super-Dry”
Brewery: 山陽盃酒造株式会社 (Sanyōhai Shuzō), Shisō, Hyōgo
Rice: 兵庫北錦 100% (Hyōgo Kitanishiki)
Polish: 60% remaining
SMV (nihonshu-do): +10 (very dry)
ABV: 15%
Volume: 720 ml
Bottled: 2025-06
Style notes from the back label: soft umami with clarity and a very crisp finish; versatile across temperatures.

What to expect in the glass
• Aromatics are restrained. Think steamed rice, faint grain, maybe a hint of dried apple rather than ginjō fruit.
• Palate is lean and highly dry with a quick, clean cut. The +10 SMV puts it on the bone-dry end of the spectrum.
• Body is light to mid. Not a plush or glycerol style. If served too cold it can read “thin” and a touch bitter on the back end.

It’s dry for sure. Crisp and on the edge of bitter/sharp. The body is light and mouthfeel borders on thin but better than those others I called thin, watery and bitter. I liked this. Not staying loved but it was good and did go went with food. Has a bit of a finish that I couldn’t quite place but is what gave it the bitterness. It’s not one that just disappears. — a month ago

Brad Doyle

9.4

Kara brought. Very good — 4 years ago

George Hesse

9.2

Another delightful Oregon PN — 5 years ago

Carter White

9.1

Juicy and fun — 10 months ago

Guillermo Gonzalez

8.9

New grape rec, courtesy of Kara at Bistro Floraison. Nebbiolo meets Beaujolais. All the great dark aromas of Neb with high acid and light weight of Bojo. — 3 years ago

Cassie Carreras

9.1

Commander's Palace wine and cheese - Should have Been Jazz Fest part 2. Smooth, easy drinking. High minerality and salinity. Paired well with everything. — 4 years ago

G Miller

9.0

Needed a bit of time to open up, but delicious. Beautiful funk! Love Pinots that aren’t afraid to get dirty! Love SA! — 2 years ago

Brad Doyle

9.1

Jake and Kara brought. — 3 years ago

Alyssa

10

With Kara and Nate — 4 years ago

Cassie Barnes

9.0

Love this one. Great price too. Kara enjoyed too. — 5 years ago