The Joy of Sake
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By Doug Singer
On September 24th, I ventured down to Webster Hall in Greenwich Village to experience The Joy of Sake, an event celebrating the world’s greatest sakes. This function featured all entries from the 2009 U.S. National Sake Appraisal which was held in Honolulu on August 19th. A total of 124 breweries submitted a variety of sakes for this rigorous blind tasting conducted under the auspices of the Japan National Research Institute of Brewing. A team of ten judges, five from Japan and five from the U.S., participated in this years appraisal. The judging method is based on procedures followed at the Japan National Sake Appraisal, held annually since 1910.
The Joy of Sake is the largest sake tasting event held outside Japan, featuring examples from virtually every brewing style and every region. 271 Junmai, Ginjo and Daiginjo were presented on three floors, alongside an elite selection of Asian restaurants offering sumptuous bites to enhance these offerings. But what made it truly unique was the freshness and quality of the labels available. All bottles presented at the event were shipped from Tokyo just a few weeks ago and are now at the very peak of their flavor.
The Joy of Sake is a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster appreciation for the traditional art of sake-making. In addition to the major annual events held in Honolulu, San Francisco and New York, smaller “Aftertaste” sake education sessions are held quite frequently. The result of these efforts is an incredible opportunity for the general public to get a serious education on the ancient art of sake-making. Put this on your calendar for next year.
www.JoyOfSake.com
On September 24th, I ventured down to Webster Hall in Greenwich Village to experience The Joy of Sake, an event celebrating the world’s greatest sakes. This function featured all entries from the 2009 U.S. National Sake Appraisal which was held in Honolulu on August 19th. A total of 124 breweries submitted a variety of sakes for this rigorous blind tasting conducted under the auspices of the Japan National Research Institute of Brewing. A team of ten judges, five from Japan and five from the U.S., participated in this years appraisal. The judging method is based on procedures followed at the Japan National Sake Appraisal, held annually since 1910.
The Joy of Sake is the largest sake tasting event held outside Japan, featuring examples from virtually every brewing style and every region. 271 Junmai, Ginjo and Daiginjo were presented on three floors, alongside an elite selection of Asian restaurants offering sumptuous bites to enhance these offerings. But what made it truly unique was the freshness and quality of the labels available. All bottles presented at the event were shipped from Tokyo just a few weeks ago and are now at the very peak of their flavor.
The Joy of Sake is a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster appreciation for the traditional art of sake-making. In addition to the major annual events held in Honolulu, San Francisco and New York, smaller “Aftertaste” sake education sessions are held quite frequently. The result of these efforts is an incredible opportunity for the general public to get a serious education on the ancient art of sake-making. Put this on your calendar for next year.
www.JoyOfSake.com
