A Taste of My Hometown

Hailing from my hometown of Miyagi, Zao -Four Seasons- 150th Anniversary caught my eye and heart instantly. Its connection to my roots, combined with its stunning label design, made it an irresistible impulse buy. Crafted by Zao shuzo (brewery)¹, this sake represents not just a rich legacy of brewing but also the timeless beauty of Japan’s four seasons.

The Impulse Buy: A Label That Speaks to the Soul

What drew me to this sake wasn’t just the fact that it’s from Miyagi—it was the mesmerizing label art. Designed by Takeshi Sato², a fellow Miyagi native, the artwork was created using a unique paint roller technique that gives it a dynamic, textured feel. The label is thought to be a cross between “Four Seasons,” a series of Takeshi Satou’s works that has been running for more than a decade, and Japanese sake, which has four beautiful seasons.

The Flavor Journey: Sweet Yet Refreshing

On the first sip, I was struck by its balance—sweetness intertwined with a refreshing clarity. It’s the kind of sake that feels light on the palate but leaves a lasting impression. What surprised me was how the flavor evolved after letting it rest for a few days. The sweetness became more pronounced, yet it still finished clean, never overstaying its welcome.

If you prefer sake that doesn’t linger heavily on your palate, this one is for you. I couldn’t help but wonder if this unique profile comes from the brewing process itself, particularly the rice polishing ratio of 85%. By not over-polishing the rice, Zao Brewery has crafted a sake with a rich, natural character that’s both approachable and complex.

To complement the sake’s delicate balance, I paired it with grilled cod roe and cream cheese—a combination that brought out the umami while enhancing the sake’s clean finish. The saltiness of the roe and the creaminess of the cheese felt like they were made to dance alongside the subtle sweetness of Zao -Four Seasons-. Together, it was a meal that felt both indulgent and beautifully simple.

Reflections: A Taste of Home and Tradition

Drinking Zao -Four Seasons- 150th Anniversary wasn’t just about enjoying a bottle of sake—it was about reconnecting with my hometown and celebrating the traditions that make Miyagi special. From the exquisite label art to the thoughtfully crafted flavor profile, this sake is a testament to the artistry of Zao Brewery and the beauty of Japanese sake culture.

If you’re looking for a sake that feels both nostalgic and innovative, with flavors that evolve over time, Zao -Four Seasons- 150th Anniversary is a perfect choice. And if you’ve never tried pairing sake with grilled cod roe and cream cheese, trust me—it’s worth a shot!

Footnotes

1. Since its establishment in 1873, Zao Shuzo K.K., located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, has been offering and selling sake made with the utmost care and attention, from rice polishing to bottling. https://www.zaoshuzo.com/ ↩

2. Takeshi Sato was born in Miyagi,Japan, He travelled to America in his early adulthood where he taught himself mural painting. He went onto decorating walls of numerous theme parks, restaurants and other kinds of establishments. https://livepaint.jp/artist/takeshi-sato/ ↩