Sake! Sake! Sake!
We had such a great turnout for sake… We are proud to introduce our second Sake tasting!
A delightful journey into the world of this traditional Japanese rice wine. As you sample different types of sake, from the crisp and refreshing Junmai to the fruity and aromatic Ginjo, you'll begin to appreciate the nuances that each brewing method brings. Enage with our knowledgeable host, Hideyo Hayashi, to enhance your experience, providing insights into the production process and helping you discover your personal preferences.
Sake, in its most basic definition, is an alcohol that is made from fermented rice. The key word here is "fermented." Sake uses a natural fermentation brewing (beer/wine) process, and is not a distilled alcohol, like a vodka. Sake is brewed from four basic ingredients: rice, water, koji (a special sake mold - Aspergillus oryzae) and yeast.
Junmai = pure rice
Ginjo= requires 60% polish - more refined
Daiginjo = requires 50% polish - most refined
In essence, Junmai Daiginjo takes the refinement of Junmai Ginjo one step further, resulting in a more refined and elegant sake.
Humble Vine
Wednesday, JUNE 18TH
2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Masumi, “Mirror of Truth” Junmai $37
Masumi's ideal Junmai. Brewed using a yeast variety that was discovered in 1946 by Masumi’s brewmaster, Chisato Kubota. A soft nose of mixed berries, melon, and earth tones. A semi-floral front is met by a middle-mouth filled with dried fruit flavors that culminate into a dry ending. The viscosity is slightly thick and the smoothness is unmistakable. The abundant amino acids in this Junmai give it a complete roundness that is further enhanced by warming.
Dewazakura, “Oka - Cherry Bouquet” Ginjo Yamagata, Tohoku, Japan $39
Dewazakura “Oka” Cherry Bouquet debuted in 1980 and quickly became a fan favorite product instigating the Ginjo boom in Japan. A beautiful floral aroma reminiscent of cherry blossoms, peach, and spring water. A dry start, Soft and creamy with dried fruit overtones, A subtle melon finish, Increasing viscosity as it warms in the mouth, An overall floral perception from start to finish. Needless to say it’s won multiple trophies and grand prix accolades internationally.
Heiwa, “Summer Breeze” Junmai Ginjo $39
An unpasteurized Junmai Ginjo sake, with a gentle aroma collection of berries, Asian pear, melon, and cucumber aromas. The pallet is clean, light, gentle, slippery, and with a slight tingle you can taste the freshness with every sip, and fresh sake is awesome sake. Look for apricot, persimmon, crisp apple, rice cracker, and clementine flavors that gently ease through the palate with a nice mineral finish.
Hoyo, “Fair Maiden” Junmai Daiginjo $35
This Daiginjo has a nose filled with Muscat grapes and earthy wood tones. A very light sake with a beautiful soft grape beginning, and a tender chewiness that blends well in a refreshingly low acidity. A rolling sweetness pushes its way throughout the mouth and no trace of alcohol is detectable, which makes this Junmai Daiginjo a real treat for those looking for the perfect light and delicate sake.
