SCHEDULE CHANGE ALERT!

Due to tonight’s Seahawks home game, we are CLOSED today and will be back in action following our regular schedule tomorrow.

We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience, but Go ‘Hawks and Kanpai!

New (Seasonal) Sake Alert: Denshin Aki Junmai Hiyaoroshi

It’s the time of year (Saketoberfest!) when we begin receiving the autumnal once-pasteurized treat known as “Hiyaoroshi.”

We just received word from our distributor that perennial favorite, Denshin Aki Junmai Hiyaoroshi will be arriving in-store tomorrow, 10/8.

Our notes:
Smooth, quiet impact, with an almost water-like texture and weight. Though the character is somewhat elusive when chilled, there is a burst of flavor (caramel, maple syrup) toward the finish, contrasted with a suggestion of bitterness and a touch of tanginess. The sake seems more revealing as it slowly warms.

Our allotment is fairly limited, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to reserve a few bottles of this special brew.

Kanpai!

Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery and “Kagatobi”: What’s it all about?
Well, according to the brewery . . .

The concept word is “Iki”, translated as “sophisticated”, “stylish” or “chic”.
The most important thing for that is the “kire”, sharp aftertaste. Not only just dry, you can enjoy the Umami from rice which is indispensable for the taste of sake. Only with selected Sake rice, Yamadanishiki, Kinmonnishiki, Gohyakumangoku and Fukunohana from our contract farmers, we identify the characteristics of each rice and make sake.

“Kagatobi” is the in - house firefighters of Kaga (ancient name of Kanazawa area) mansion Edo (ancient name of Tokyo) branch, who were tough and powerful, highly skilled but short - tempered. They were known as “Cool” firefighters, and always popular among people in Edo. “Kagatobi” is named after them to express the concept “iki.”

Explore these and other fun facts about Kagatobi at our special “Meet the Brewer” sake tasting this Tuesday, October 8 at 6-8 pm.

Kanpai!

New Saké Alert: The Return of Kubota Manju YX Junmai Daiginjo

We have a special “bonus” allotment of this extremely limited junmai daiginjo arriving tomorrow, 10/4.

Though we’ve already sold a case, there are still some loose ones kicking around, representing a rare second chance for you to experience this beautiful, elegant sake.

This unique brew from a pioneer in the premium sake world features local sake rice milled with new, advanced technology and a special proprietary yeast. From the brewer: “Manju is Kubota’s finest sake, offering delicate yet complex flavors with flawless balance, a perfect companion for special occasions.”

Give us a shout and we’ll gladly set aside a bottle or two for you.

Kanpai!

“Meet the Brewer” Sake Tasting Event: Kagatobi (Tuesday, October 8 @ 6-8 pm)

Save the date! You’re cordially invited to drop in for the next in our “Meet the Brewer” sake tasting event series featuring Kagatobi sake from Ishikawa prefecture’s Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery (est. 1625).

On Tuesday, October 8, a representative from Fukumitsuya’s Overseas Marketing Division will be on hand to pour a variety of premium sake, talk to us about the brewery, and answer any sake-related questions your inquiring mind might entertain.

One of the sake we’ll be pouring during the event is the gorgeous Ai Junmai Daiginjo Shiboritate Nama Genshu pictured here. We think: “Gorgeous floral bouquet with notes of sweet candied something or other in the nose. Mild apple flavor throughout, with a crisp, clean finish. Light, soft, and very elegant texture.”

Don’t miss out—please join us at Saké Nomi on October 8 at 6-8 pm.

Kanpai

When sake is ALL you do, EVERY day is Sake Day. Still, today we raise our glasses high in appreciation and in honor of sake brewers and drinkers everywhere.
Kanpai and Happy Sake Day!!

Almost forgot our other special “guest” for tonight’s tasting. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a tease . . .

Don’t miss the Joto Sake tasting event this evening, 5:30-7:30.

Kanpai!!

Tomorrow’s the date and we can hardly wait! We’ll be hosting Ryan Mellinger from Joto Sake for a special tasting event.

Please feel free to drop in between 5:30-7:30 pm to meet Ryan, taste the Joto selections, and ask her a ton of questions.

All the sake featured during the tasting will also be available for purchase by the glass, bottle, or flight, and the $5/person tasting fee will be waived with any purchase from the shop.

We hope you can join us in welcoming Ryan to Seattle and Saké Nomi. Kanpai!

These (namazake) just in: one with some light sparkle to it, and one brewed in cedar barrels. Fun way to start our week! Kanpai!

Another featured sake during our Joto Sake tasting event on 9/26 will be their private label umeshu (plum sake).
Umeshu is such an integral part of Japanese culture that many Japanese make their own by steeping the fresh plums in alcohol. Umeshu should not be confused with “plum wine,” which is not made with sake and usually uses flavorings instead of fresh, whole, ume fruit. Joto Umeshu is crafted by the Fuji Brewery in Shimane, Japan, using the traditional and highest quality method. First, local and hand-harvested ume are carefully selected, then soaked and matured in sake. After months of maceration this plum-sake concentrate is blended with sake again to achieve the perfect balance.

(About Joto Sake)
Founded in 2005, Joto Sake is one of the leading artisanal sake portfolios in the U.S. Joto is Japanese for “highest level” and describes the makers of our sake and our aspirations as their importer. We represent ten multi-generational, family-owned, jizake (local) breweries. These breweries are located throughout Japan, producing sake in small batches with indigenous rice varieties, offering flavors and styles ideal for a range of cuisines. Our passion for breweries that have rich and wonderful histories makes them fun to learn about and explore.

We hope to see you on 9/26!

Yesssssssss!

From the “Blinded me with (sake) science” file, we present Narutotai LED Junmai Ginjo. We have a few cases allotment of this multiple award winning brew arriving Friday. To give you an idea of what to expect, we include the following info, lightly edited from the brewery’s website.

“Narutotai LED uses “LED Dream Yeast” developed by Tokushima Prefecture.

LED lighting, which is now commonplace, has rapidly spread around the world with the invention of blue light-emitting diodes by a company in Tokushima Prefecture. In Tokushima Prefecture, we are conducting research to apply this technology to various fields.

And “LED Dream Yeast” was born.

The various lights of the LED continue to irradiate the existing yeast, and develop a new yeast through mutations. This allows us to produce a completely new type of sake: sour, sweet, and tropical.

The “LED Yume Yeast 3826 Type 2” used in “Narutotai LED” is called the polyacid type, and it is designed to have a very high acidity and a sweet finish.

If you cool it well and drink it in a wine glass, the sour aroma like yogurt is added to the slightly sweet aroma like an apple, which whets your appetite.

The tropical and juicy taste was expressed on the label with layers of colorful motifs.

In honor of the invention of the blue light-emitting diode, the blue layer shines.”

Please don’t delay, and order yours today!
Kanpai!!