Ohanami Reflections

So I wanted to go to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens one last time today, but oh well.

Anyway, for all of those who still have an opportunity to go, the cherry blossoms are still out and you have a few days left to go see them before they fall.

Now I’m not saying you should be bringing outside food or drinks into the gardens, because that’s clearly not allowed. But if you are in a position to view cherry blossoms, and you are allowed to drink, here are two sake that perfectly suit the situation:

Dewazakura “Oka” – Some see this as the quintessential ohanami “cherry blossom viewing” sake. It’s light, easy to drink, and has the faint aroma of pear blossoms. The flavor is really front ended, and leaves clean, so it’s SUPER easy to drink. The one problem is that this sake should be had chilled. Somewhere between refrigerator temperature and room temperature. Closer to room temperature, I would say. The bite vanishes, and the flavor really comes through.

However, it is difficult to keep sake cold if you’re outside unless you brought a cooler, so may I suggest an alternative:

Banryu – The flavor is more balanced, hangs on a bit afterwards, and it has a little bite. You could chill it, and I think the bite would disappear, but I think it would numb some of the fantastic flavor. It has a subtle hint of cherries, which is wonderfully fitting. Room temperature seems to be how you want this sake, so great for traveling.

I had already gone to view the blossoms last Thursday and Sunday. Thursday was great, especially because I was all dressed up, and it was a treat to be walking under the trees with my umbrella and in full kimono.

Sunday was rainy, which was a shame; and my sandals fell apart on me, which was awful. However, I got some great pictures, thanks to DaNerd, and also had a very pleasant surprise. Amidst all the lazy Bleach costumes, the ugly and lazy Naruto costumes, I found a girl who came as Maya from Phoenix Wright:

This girl is awesome. She made my day.

Anyway, it’s still a very beautiful experience. Go and see some cherry blossoms.