Weekly Saturday Tasting

Sake

Saturday, October 12th
1:00 - 3:00

For this Saturday we are going to dive into the world of Sake. Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of rice. Unlike wine, which is fermented from fruit, sake’s production process is unique, involving multiple parallel fermentations where starch is converted to sugar and then to alcohol simultaneously. Sake pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, from sushi and sashimi to grilled meats and cheeses, making it a versatile choice for any meal.There are a wide variety of sake out there, with some that are served warmed up, and some that are best chilled. Our focus this Saturday will be on the more premium sake, which are usually served with a chill. We’ll look at several of the categories of sake. We will try a Nigori, which is unfiltered sake, appearing cloudy due to the remaining rice particles. Nigori is often creamy and mildly sweet, with a rich mouthfeel. We will try a Junmai sake, which is pure rice sake, made without added alcohol or sugar. Many of the styles of sake are based on how much of the rice’s outer layer gets milled away, and Junmai sake are often milled to about 70%, the percentage of grain that remains after a part of the rice has been polished away. Junmai is usually rich and full-bodied with a slightly tangy flavor, often earthy or fruity. We will also sample a Junmai Ginjo, brewed with rice polished to 60% or less, resulting in more depth of flavor. Junmai Ginjo are usually fragrant and complex, with fruity and floral notes. Finally we’ll finish with a nice rarity, and sample a Sparkling sake. This is a carbonated sake, with effervescence coming through an in-bottle secondary fermentation process, creating a nicely light and refreshing style of sake. There are more styles of sake out there, but these four will be a great starting point for us to introduce you to exploring sake and offering a delightful journey through its unique flavors and aromas. Come see why sake is a favorite among beverage enthusiasts!
 
Tozai ‘Snow Maiden’ Junmai Nigori Sake
Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Available in 720ml and 300ml bottles
 
Tozai ‘Living Jewel’ Junmai Sake
Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Available in 720ml and 300ml bottles
 
Kanbara ‘Bride of the Fox’ Junmai Ginjo Sake
Niigata prefecture, Japan
Available in 720ml and 300ml bottles
 
Fukucho ‘Seaside’ Sparkling Junmai Sake
Hirsohima prefecture, Japan
Available in 500ml bottles – limited supply!