In-Store Saturday Tastings – Chris Presents May Tastings of Note:
May 9th - Chikurin Tasting with Nishino-san from Marumoto Brewery
WHEN: Saturday, May 9th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake 556 Hayes Street
WHO: Nishino-san from Marumoto Brewery
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
We welcome to the True Sake tasting counter for the first time ever, Nishino-san from Marumoto Brewery in Okayama Prefecture! The Chikurin brand is one of my favorite sake brands on the market today. Marumoto Brewery uses domaine rice, meaning rice grown at the brewery, which is surprisingly not common in Japan for a myriad of reasons I won't get into in this little blurb. Marumoto Brewery also loves to experiment with blending, which can be showcased in their Chikurin Fukamari "Deep Field" Junmai. They also happen to make the Chikurin Junmai Ginjo Nama "Otoro", which is easily one of my favorite big and bold seasonal Namas, and worth every penny. Last but not least is the Chikurin Hou Hou Shu Hana, a fun low-alcohol (5 to 7% ABV) sparkling rose sake which is the perfect chiller at the park. Take advantage of Nishino-san's rare appearance here in the States, and find out why Marumoto Brewery is the absolute real deal.
May 16th - Niigata Sake Tasting with Trac Le from Skurnik
WHEN: Saturday, May 16th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake 556 Hayes Street
WHO: Trac Le from Skurnik
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
We welcome back to the True Sake Tasting Counter the legendary Trac Le from Skurnik. Recently, Skurnik acquired the rights to distribute some key brands from the Niigata Sake Selections portfolio, including Aoki Shuzo, Kinshihai Shuzo, and Kirinzan Shuzo. Skurnik already distributes Niigata Sake Selections on the East Coast, but it'll be nice to experience these sakes here in California with a Skurnik point of view. Niigata is world-renowned when it comes to sake, especially the dry tanrei karakuchi style. While the lineup isn't entirely finalized, rest assured that you'll be getting a nice sampling of what Niigata sake is all about. Full disclosure, I am a huge Niigata sake fan.
May 23rd - Dainagawa Tasting with Yukie Manfred from Sake Story
WHEN: Saturday, May 23rd from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake 556 Hayes Street
WHO: Yukie Manfred from Sake Story
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
We welcome back to the True Sake Tasting Counter Yukie Manfred from Sake Story. We will be focusing on Dainagawa Sake from Akita Prefecture, renowned for using local Akita rice (such as Menkoina and Akita Sake Komachi) and traditional brewing techniques, often producing fruity, fragrant, and smooth Junmai Daiginjo and Ginjo styles. The lineup features delicate, hand-crafted brews known for balanced acidity, umami, versatility, and fresh profiles suitable for pairing with all types of cuisines. Our very own True Sake Social Media Manager, KJ got to visit Dainagawa on her last trip to Japan, and she spoke very highly of their sake and their CEO, Bungo Tanaka. Come by and try out this fresh new sake line making its debut at True Sake and see for yourself why Daingawa is making huge waves both in and out of Japan.
FRIDAY May 29th - World Sake Imports Tasting with Liloa Papa
WHEN: FRIDAY, May 29th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake 556 Hayes Street
WHO: Liloa Papa from World Sake Imports
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
We welcome back to the True Sake Tasting our favorite San Diegan, Liloa Papa from World Sake Imports. Note the special Friday tasting! Not Saturday, but Friday from 4-6pm! World Sake Imports is all killer no filler and everything they carry is outstanding. They are the leaders in sake turnover, meaning they always have fresh inventory. We’ll be pouring Aizu Shikon Tokubetsu Junmai from Fukushima, as well as Tamagawa Kinsho Daiginjo from Kyoto, and Dewasansan Nama from Dewazakura in Yamagata. Come find out why World Sake Imports are one of the biggest players in our industry. One more time, this is a special FRIDAY tasting from 4-6pm.