NYC: Momokawa Tasting at NY Vintners
New Yorkers: Taste The Record Setting Nanbu Toji Gold Medal SakeÌ & Gain Personal Insight Into America’s Fascination With The Wine of Japan
Nanbu Toji Gold Medal & Murai Family SakeÌ Tasting Date: November 9 Time: 6:30 (approximately 2 hours) Cost: $45
Trade and Press Inquiries: Contact Monica Samuels (562) 331-0128 Limited Seating: 35 people Location: New York Vintners, 21 Warren Street, New York, NY, 10007 Reservations: 212-812-3999
Web: www.newyorkvintners.com
New York Vintners (21 Warrant Street, Tribeca) hosts Kyota Murai, the President of Momokawa Brewing Japan (sold in the U.S. under the Murai Family label). Kyota will pour the family’s 60th gold medal winner from the exclusive Nanbu Toji SakeÌ Competition, among other selections from the Murai Family brand, and share his insights into the American sakeÌ trend. The evening is set to begin at 6:30 PM on Monday, November 9.
Kyota’s family sakeÌ brewery holds the Japan national record for the number of years in a row to receive a Nanbu Toji gold medal. “It is a great honor to have achieved this recognition for so many years. It is the hard work of our Master Toji (brewer) and his entire team,” noted Mr. Murai. “To share it with our friends in NY will be a special experience since there is so little bottled each year.” Few bottles of each year’s contest entry make it to market and even fewer cross the Pacific to be found in the U.S. “We’ve seen a few bottles here in New York the past few years but usually in very exclusive locations,” noted Chris Johnson, Japanese certified sakeÌ sommelier and New York sakeÌ expert. “The Nanbu Toji is an exclusive association of sakeÌ brewers, currently Japan’s most regarded, and the gold medal winner is always a very special sakeÌ. One you have to sip to fully understand.”
In addition to sakeÌ tasting, Japanese style Tapas and general sakeÌ information, Kyota Murai provides a unique perspective on America’s growing fascination with sakeÌ. Having grown up in the family sakeÌ brewery, he spent fifteen years in America where he finished his education while assisting in family interests in SakeÌOne, the American sakeÌ brewery and importer of the Murai Family sakeÌ. Kyota’s involvement with sakeÌ in America predates most of today’s importers and growing legions of “experts.” He will present is insight into the changing sakeÌ landscape of America and be joined by Monica Samuels, SakeÌ Ambassador with Southern Wine & Spirits. Chris Johnson will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss the sakeÌ presented.
The Nanbu Toji Association is the leading collective of sakeÌ brewers in Japan. The annual competition holds its members to the quality criteria as defined by the association and only those that adhere to this strict standard are recognized. The 60 years of gold medals achieved by Momokawa Brewing Japan is unsurpassed.
Kyota Murai is the 6th generation Murai to guide the family sakeÌ kura (brewery). Kyota lived in America for sixteen years where he attained his degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon and operated a custom motorcycle business where he won awards for his design work. During his time in Oregon, Kyota stayed connected to sakeÌ as a member of the board of directors at SakeÌOne, the American sakeÌ kura that his family helped develop. Kyota returned home to Aomori Prefecture in the Spring of 2007 when he accepted the reigns of the family kura. Today, Kyota continues his director role with SakeÌOne while he focuses increasing energy on the success and direction of his family’s brewery.
Come for the rare Nanbu Toji gold medal winner, explore Murai Family SakeÌ, and gain a personal insight into sakeÌ evolution in America.
Nanbu Toji Gold Medal & Murai Family SakeÌ Tasting Date: November 9 Time: 6:30 (approximately 2 hours) Cost: $45
Trade and Press Inquiries: Contact Monica Samuels (562) 331-0128 Limited Seating: 35 people Location: New York Vintners, 21 Warren Street, New York, NY, 10007 Reservations: 212-812-3999
Web: www.newyorkvintners.com
