Hikikomika (retronasal aroma)

Hikikomika (引込み香) refers to the aroma perceived when sake is taken into the mouth and tasted on the tongue and inside the mouth while breath is released through the nose. Drinking carefully in this way lets you perceive the deeper fragrance of the sake. Hikikomika is closely related to the aroma that arises in the mouth (kochuka, 口中香) and the aroma that lingers once sake is held in the mouth (fukumika, 含み香), and it is an important element in fully enjoying the flavor of sake. To bring out the best moment for drinking and the flavor of sake, it is important to be mindful of this aroma as you taste.