Oishii ‘Cloudy’ Nigori presents a silky, opaque pour with a rich, creamy texture that distinguishes it from filtered styles. On the nose, ripe banana and melon are most pronounced, accented by subtle hints of green apple and sweet milk candy. The palate unfolds with gentle fruit sweetness balanced by a touch of rice-driven umami, creating a soft yet structured flavor profile. Its finish is lingering and smooth, leaving behind delicate fruit tones that invite another sip.
Produced in Charlottesville, Virginia by Kintsugi Sake LLC, Oishii ‘Cloudy’ reflects a balance of Japanese tradition and American craftsmanship. It is brewed with pristine spring water sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains and single-origin Titan rice grown in Arkansas at Isbell Farms. Only rice, koji, yeast, and water are used, with no artificial additives, sulfates, or gluten, underscoring the purity and authenticity of the sake. The nigori style is achieved by leaving fine rice particles in suspension during brewing, creating both its cloudy appearance and its signature creamy mouthfeel.
This nigori sake is best served chilled, with the bottle gently shaken before pouring to fully integrate the delicate rice sediment. Its creamy texture and fruit-forward character make it an excellent partner to spicy dishes, from Thai curries to Latin cuisine, where its sweetness tempers the heat. It also pairs elegantly with rich seafood such as crab, scallops, or seared fish, and complements roasted poultry or pork with fruit-based glazes. For softer pairings, Oishii ‘Cloudy’ shines alongside creamy cheeses like burrata or ricotta, as well as fruit-driven desserts that echo its notes of melon and banana.