Sake, rum, and Matacuy

Dinner at MONO for their Unplugged XIV, a collaboration to MAZ Tokyo.

Miolo Cuvée Tradition Brut - this is always easy to drink, with light acidity on the palate.

Kokuryu Daiginjo Ryu (黒龍 大吟醸 龍), 2024 - such a classic, with lovely, sweet and starchy rice on the nose, a little sharp with acetone and alcohol, and showing slightly fermented notes. Lovely.

2021 Jean Leon Nativa Xarel・lo - very ripe on the nose but very light on the palate.

Mater Iniciativa O Tuber - made of oxalis tuberosa or oca. This actually tasted like white wine to me. The alcohol level was not high. Slightly grippy on the palate with a short finish. Not very complex. Not particularly delicious on its own, but very interesting nevertheless.

2022 Lucien Muzard Santenay 1er Cru Beauregard - nice and oaky on the nose with plenty of coconut butter. Red currants. Rich and interesting, and a bit smoky.

2019 Zuccardi Malbec Concreto - ripe fruit and smoke on the nose. Got the concentration on the palate, but a little chalky. Not great.

Montelobos Mezcal Espadín - very classic. Got that medicinal flavor but still a little sweet on the palate and also on the finish.

Santa Teresa 1796 - so fragrant, with lovely vanilla notes and a long finish.

Distinería Andina Matacuy - really fragrant and herbal. Almost reminds of chartreuse.

Full post on dinner is here.