Entries by Timothy Sullivan

NYC: Bacchus Wines Sake & Sushi Event

Sake and Sushi! So we all know that sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice, but have you ever wanted to know more? Unanswered questions like “when should sake be served cold?” and “how can I decipher all the different varieties?”, can be answered! Just like it takes a special kind of grape […]

NYC: Sake Sundays at Kyotofu

Sake Sundays at Kyotofu Introducing Sake Sundays at Kyotofu Half-off all sake glasses and bottles during January and February! When: Every Sunday during January and February, from 5:30pm – 12:30pm What: 50% off all Sake Glasses and Bottles! On over 30 types of sake served cold or hot…from our Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo (usually $35 […]

NYC: Sake Sundays at Kyotofu

Sake Sundays at Kyotofu Introducing Sake Sundays at Kyotofu Half-off all sake glasses and bottles during January and February! When: Every Sunday during January and February, from 5:30pm – 12:30pm What: 50% off all Sake Glasses and Bottles! On over 30 types of sake served cold or hot…from our Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo (usually $35 […]

NYC: Valentine’s Tasting at Sakaya

Rick and Hiroko at Sakaya will be pouring some fantastic sakes for valentine’s day: Ban Ryu “the Thousands Way” Honjozo (Yamagata), Kudoki Jozu “Pickup Artist” Junmai Ginjo (Yamagata), Hana Hou Hou shu Sparkling Sake (Okayama) SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Nishimoto Trading Tasting at Sakaya

Rick and Hiroko at Sakaya will be pouring some fantastic sakes from Nishimoto importers, namely: Naraman Junmai (Fukushima) & Shichiken Junmai Ginjo (Yamanashi) SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Joy of Sake Aftertaste: Aroma

Joy of Sake Aftertaste: Origin of Aroma It took sake-makers nearly a century to unlock the secrets of how to make ginjo sakes with floral and fruity aromas. This month’s Aftertaste looks at how brewers coax fragrances like apple, banana, litchi and anise from just rice, water and yeast. We’ll try 37 different sakes, ranging […]

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Cold Weather, Hot Sake!

Tonight was freezing in New York! What an inspired idea then to enjoy some warmed sake. This versatility is one of the real secret weapons in the sake world. Sake can be fantastic both warmed and chilled. People often think sake should only be served warm OR only served chilled. Truth is both can be […]

NYC: Azumaichi at Sakaya!

Great Tasting at Sakaya! FREE Azumaichi tasting at Sakaya! Azumaichi Junmai & Azumaichi Junmai Ginjo from Saga SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Joto Tasting at Sakaya

Great Tasting at Sakaya! FREE Joto Sake tasting at sakaya! It’ll be yummy! please join me! Namazake! Wataribune nama Junmai Ginjo and Kasumitsuru Taiheikai Nigori nama. SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: JFC tasting at Sakaya

Great Tasting at Sakaya! Chiyomusubi Tokubetsu Junmai (Tottori) & Goriki Junmai Ginjo (Tottori) SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

Interview: Lannie Ahn at Izakaya Ten

Izakaya Ten is a great Japanese style sake pub in Chelsea. Becoming ever more sake friendly, they recently expanded their sake list and also expanded their hours (Thursday-Saturday ’til 3:00am). Who’s behind all this wonderful sake expansion? It’s Lannie Ahn, Izakaya Ten owner, but also a true sake aficionado. I recently sat down with Lannie to discuss the world of sake.

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Sake Blogger Summit ’09!

What do you get when you mix Tokyo Foodcast Sake Bloggers Ted and Etsuko, Jocelyn and Carlos from the You, madam, are no Ambrose Bierce blog, Bloggers Rick and Hiroko from New York’s SAKAYA Sake Shop, Scott and yours truly from UrbanSake, along with wonderful friends and family? Well, obviously, the first Sake Blogger Summit […]

NYC: Elements of Sake Class at Astor Center

Sorry! This class is sold out! Please sign up for our April 29th Elements of Sake class Please join me!! I am teaching a sake 101 class at the new Astor center called the “Elements of Sake.” This class is a fun, informative and tasty way to dive into the world of premium saké. I’ll […]

NYC: Sake 101 Lecture at Sake Hana!

UrbanSake lecture at Sake Hana Join me for a fun and informative sake 101lecture at Sake Hana! Class II: Sake 101 admission: $60 1. The difference of Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo 2. How is sake made? 3. What is Koji? 4. Hot sake = Bad sake?? 5. Why sake is served with box sometimes? 6. Do […]

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Top 5 Sparkling Sakes for New Year’s Eve

This year, try something new to tickle your nose as you ring in the new year. Sake seems to be the eternal up and coming underdog, but to be honest, the selection of sparkling sake available in the USA has never been better. Referred to in Japanese as “happo-shu”, sparking sake undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, just as champagne does, so you won’t miss a single bubble with the switch from grapes to Sake.

Minneapolis: Moto-i Sake Class!

MOTO-I Monthly Sake Seminar Would you like to learn more about sake, taste a range of grades and styles, tour a sake brewery and eat some good izakaya fare? moto-i will host an 8 hour sake seminar for 15 people every month, or more, depending on demand. You will receive: 20 page training manual Tastings […]

NYC: Elements of Sake 2: Pairing Sake & Food

Please join me!! I am teaching an advanced sake class at the new Astor center called the “Elements of Sake, Part II: Pairing Sake and Food.” The perfect follow-up to The Elements of Saké or an ideal choice for any saké enthusiast eager to broaden their horizons! In Part II, we’ll deepen our exploration into […]

NYC: Elements of Sake Class

Please join me!! I am teaching a sake 101 class at the new Astor center called the “Elements of Sake.” This class is a fun, informative and tasty way to dive into the world of premium saké. We’ll walk you through every step of the saké production process to show you how master brewers go […]

NYC: Niigata tasting at Sakaya

FREE tasting of special sake from Niigata sake selection. They will be pouring: Kirizan Junmai Daiginjo, Minogawa Koshi no Omachi Junmai Daiginjo, & Kakurei Plum Sake SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

Minneapolis: Moto-i Sake Class!

Cost: $150.00 – Includes Training manual, brewery tour, lunch and snacks,
and a tasting of over 20 different sakes to understand grade, styles, and
flavor profiles. Give yourself or someone you know this experience as a Holiday Present!
LOCATION: at moto-i
2940 Lyndale Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-821-NAMA
[email protected]

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Japan 2008: Tamanohikari Brewery

Arriving in Kyoto always brings back special memories for me. this was my original destination on my very first trip to Japan. It goes without saying that it’s a beautiful and historic city, but on this visit I was able to discover another aspect of Kyoto that endeared the city to me even more. Today […]

NYC: Kagatobi Week: ISE Sake Dinner

Join Kagatobi week! ISE restaurant will host a wonderful sake dinner featuring Kagatobi Sake. $70 per person ISE RESTAURANT 56 Pine Street New York, NY 10005 Tel: 212-785-1600 Fax: 212-785-7660 Serving Hours Mon – Fri (Lunch) 11:30 ~ 2:15 (Dinner) 5:00 ~ 9:30

NYC: Kagatobi Week: Astor Tasting

Join Kagatobi week!! The fine folks from Kagatobi sakes are holding a sake tasting at Astor Wines and Spirits! This same night, please join our Fantastic Elements of Sake class at Astor Center. This tasting takes place at Astor Wines & Spirits De Vinne Press Building 399 Lafayette (at East 4th St.) New York, NY […]

NYC: Kagatobi Week: Sake Hana

Join Kagatobi Week! Mr. Yageta from Fukumitsuya sake brewery will come from Japan to teach a sake class on kagatobi! Classes will be held once in every month and are open to anyone aged 21 and over. Although there will be five classes in total, you are welcome to sign up for any individual class […]

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Japan 2008: Marumoto Brewery and Chikurin

My first trip to visit Marumoto Brewery can only be described as spectacular. Makers of the famous Chikurin Brand of sake, Marumoto brewery is nestled beautifully in the low rolling hills of Okayama Prefecture.

Brewery President, Mr. Marumoto explained that the brewery was founded in 1867 at the end of Edo period and has been producing sake since then. However, this brewery isn’t just famous for it’s sake. The wooden framed brewery complex is registered as an “Important Cultural Property” by Japanese goverment, similar to the National Register of Historic Places here in the US.

NYC: Kyotofu Sake Pairing Event

The Art of Sake Pairing Don’t know your organic sake from your shochu? Join infamous New York sake sommelier Chris Johnson at this award-winning Midtown Japanese spot for a delicious and informative six-course dinner pairing food and sake. Mouthwatering dishes include seared scallop in shiso pesto, miso ginger slow simmered pork belly, and kabocha Japanese […]

NYC: Akita Sakes at Sakaya

Sakaya is offering a free tasting of the best sake that Akita Prefecture has to offer. Don’t miss this tasting! SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Nishimoto Sake at Sakaya

Rick and Hiroko at Sakaya will be pouring some fantastic sakes from Nishimoto importers, namely: Okunomatsu Ginjo & Kudoki Jozu Junmai Ginjo SAKAYA 324 E. 9th Street (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.) NYC 10003 212.505.7253 (SAKE) www.sakayanyc.com

NYC: Dassai at Sushi Damo

Sake tasting w/ Christian Choi, Sake Sommelier & Sakurai-san from Dassai sake brewery. For more information on this event, please contact: Sushi Damo 330 W. 58th St NY, NY 10019 (212) 707-8609 Website: sushidamo.com

NYC: Artisanal Cheese and Sake Class

Deluxe Sakes & Artisanal Cheeses The world’s finest cheeses deserve the best beverage partners! In this class, Sake Ambassador at Southern Wine & Spirits, Monica Samuels will team up with our own Dean of Curriculum, Max McCalman, to showcase the lovely synergies that superior Sakes and exquisite Cheeses share. The crafting of high-end Sakes and […]

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Japan 2008: Fukumitsuya Brewery

Day 5 in Japan started early with a trip out of Tokyo. I met Fukumitusya Brewery export salesman Mr. Yageta at Tokyo Station and we boarded the train for Ishikawa Prefecture. Although he’s usually stationed in Tokyo, he was kind enough to travel with me all the way to Ishikawa.

Fukumitsuya Brewery is located in Kanazawa City. This small town on the sea of Japan is sometimes known as “little Kyoto” because of the number of historical attractions found here.

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Japan 2008: Wataribune Brewery

Day 4 of my Japan trip takes me on another sake adventure. This 2008 sake tour is starting to pick up speed and the shinkansen has left the station. This time, I’m headed to Ishioka city in Ibaraki Prefecture to visit Takaaki Yamauchi, the president of Huchu Homare Brewery, makers of the much loved Wataribune […]

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Japan 2008 Sake Summit, Act II: Kumpai

After a lovely morning sake tasting and tour at Oomuraya Brewery, the intrepid Shizuoka tour guide extraordinaire, Robert-Gilles led Melinda, Etsuko and myself onward to another Shizuoka sake maker. Kumpai Brewery is a small sake brewery with a big heart. It’s located in Shizuoka City and we got there by cab from the Shizuoka train […]

NYC: Octoberfest at Sakaya!

Just as beer lovers in Germany look forward to Oktoberfest, sake drinkers excitedly anticipate the release of the Autumn seasonal sake, Hiyaoroshi. Brewed using the newly harvested rice from the previous Fall, Hiyaoroshi is pasteurized once just before being cellared in the Spring. It is then stored, according to its traditional method, to allow it […]

Seattle: Sake 101 at Sake Nomi

Saké 101 at Sake Nomi! It just might change your life! Here at Saké Nomi, we believe the more you learn about saké, the more you can enjoy it! To welcome all the new nomidachi (“drinking companions”) who’ve visited us in the past few months, we’ll begin — at the beginning! Saké 101: “The Basics,” […]

Seattle: Sake 101 at Sake Nomi

Saké 101 at Sake Nomi! Here at Saké Nomi, we believe the more you learn about saké, the more you can enjoy it! Throughout the year, we conduct classes and special tastings focused on different saké-related topics. In an effort to welcome all the new nomidachi (“drinking companions”) who’ve visited us in the past few […]

NYC: Autumn Akita Sake Tasting

“The Seventh Autumn Akita Sake Tasting Event” ASC was established in June 2006 to introduce AKITA Prefecture’s sake, food, and goods to the people in the NYC area. This Autumn, ASC is proud to announce “The Akita Sake Tasting Event” on November 14, 2008. Please join over 21 visiting sake brewers from Akita and different […]

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Japan 2008: Sake Club Okanaga

“Membership Has It’s Privileges“, or at least that is what Amex says. You know, I’ve gotten through life pretty well without being a member… and I don’t just mean Amex. I’m talking no Fraternity, no food co-op and I’ve never even owned a Member’s Only jacket! However, on my second day in Japan, the wonderful […]

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Japan 2008: Let the Journey Begin!

Watch this space for soon to be published Reports from my Recent trip to Japan! I visited many Breweries and rode the shinkansen from one end of Japan to the other (almost). There were a ton of new experiences for me… I harvested sake rice, helped stir moto, was served sake by maiko, toured 10 […]

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Sake 101 for Anime Fans

I had the distinct pleasure of giving a sake 101 lecture again this year at the New York Anime Festival. Faithful readers of UrbanSake.com will remember my big adventure last year at this event, where I was totally unprepared for the raucous crowds and energetic anime crowds. Well, all I can say is that this […]

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Joy Joy Joy Of Sake 2008

The annual Joy of Sake event is the mother lode of sake tastings brought right to our backyard. In the span of 3 hours, there is more sake, great food and enthusiastic drinkers than you can shake a stick at. Best of all, there are tons of sakes that are not for sale in the […]

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JFC New York Sake Expo ’08

JFC is a well known importer of Sake and Japanese food stuffs and I was delighted to recently attend their Fall ’08 New York Sake Expo! As I traveled from table to table at the Expo, I met some very interesting people, and some very interesting sake. First, I meet Mr. Kakutaro Kubo, Vice President […]

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Winebow Importers Brings You Sake

Winebow is a importing company that focuses mostly on bringing great Italian Wines to the U.S. Of late, they have made a move into the world of sake! Currently importing two diverse portfolios, one from Akita and one from Niigata, more sake brought into the States is a win for everyone. I had a chance […]

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Viva Akita! Viva Genshu!

The Akita Sake Club has come a long way, baby! The most recent event was held again at the Japan American Association offices in Midtown and was the Club’s 6th meeting that celebrates the sake from Japan’s Akita Prefecture. In addition to the sake, The club also features the food and music of Akita. I’ve […]

Interview: Chris Pearce and the Joy of Sake

The annual Joy of Sake tasting event is considered the “not to be missed” sake event of the year. Luckily, there is still time to get a ticket for this veritable sake-palooza, which is happening this year in New York on Sept 25th. I’ve enthusiastically attended the Joy of Sake for the last few years, […]

NYC: Sakagura Akita Sake Tasting Party

SAKAGURA and ASPEC present “Gifted Akita Sake Tasting Party”! On Wednesday, September 24th, SAKAGURA will play proud host to Five of the most distinguished breweries, ASPEC, is yet to be introduced to the U.S. Market from Akita, Japan. ASPEC has decided to expand its business overseas, America this year. So, we cordially welcome and invite […]

NYC: Meet the Brewer’s Tasting at Tailor

With The Joy of Sake coming up next Thursday, a number of other sake events have been scheduled around the city. Here’s one that provides a chance to meet four visiting brewers and sample their delicious sakes. Wednesday, September 24, 2008 5:30–7:30 pm $30 per person (excluding tip & tax) RSVP: [email protected] or call (212) […]

San Francisco: Sake Day 2008

Be a part of history on Wednesday October 1st at Ft. Mason’s “Golden Gate Room” when the world stops for a day – and sake lives for a night! Nihonshu no Hi is the day of sake in Japan every October 1st and partners True Sake, Mari’s Catering and Sozai Restaurant honor this great occasion […]

NYC: Bacchus Sake and Sushi Event

Sake and Sushi! So we all know that sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice, but have you ever wanted to know more? Unanswered questions like “when should sake be served cold?” and “how can I decipher all the different varieties?”, can be answered! Just like it takes a special kind of grape […]

NYC: Elements of Sake Class Level II

Please join me!! I am teaching an advanced sake class at the new Astor center called the “Elements of Sake, Part II.” The perfect follow-up to The Elements of Saké or an ideal choice for any saké enthusiast eager to broaden their horizons! In Part II, we’ll deepen our exploration into this ancient brew. We […]

NYC: Elements of Sake Class

Please join me!! I am teaching a sake 101 class at the new Astor center called the “Elements of Sake.” This class is a fun, informative and tasty way to dive into the world of premium saké. We’ll walk you through every step of the saké production process to show you how master brewers go […]

Seattle: Masumi Tasting at Sake Nomi

Description from the organizer: ‘Seems like he was just here, but we are pleased to once again welcome Mr. Keith Norum from Nagano’s Miyasaka Brewing Co. for a special open house-style tasting event featuring Masumi brand sake on Friday, Sept. 12, starting @ 5 p.m. Miyasaka Brewing Co. produces Masumi Karakuchi Ki-Ippon “Mirror of Truth,” […]

Seattle: Sake 101 at Sake Nomi

Description from the organizer: Though it seems incredible, it is “back to school” time, nomidachi! Here at Saké Nomi, we believe the more you learn about saké, the more you can enjoy it! To welcome all the new nomidachi (“drinking companions”) who’ve visited us in the past few months, we’ll begin — at the beginning! […]

NYC: Introduction to Sake Lecture at “Japan C”

Introduction to Sake Lecture and Tasting Part of the Japan C Exhibitition on all things Japanese. Join us for a lecture and tasting where Tim Sullivan, founder of UrbanSake.com, shares his love and knowledge of Japan’s national drink. Together we’ll explore the sake production process and learn how rice and water becomes “the drink of […]

Seattle: Sake Nomi Wine of Japan Tasting

Sake Nomi is pleased to welcome Mr. Angel Aguilar from American Northwest Distributors, for a special tasting of new saké selections from importer Wine of Japan on Thursday, August 21, beginning at 5 p.m. The saké scheduled to be featured are all new arrivals to Washington and include: Gassan no Yuki “Snow of Mt. Gassan,” […]

Seattle: Sake Nomi Cinema – The Karate Kid Part II

Saké Nomi Cinema: The Karate Kid Part II Featuring Guest Appearance by Yuji Okumoto We are incredibly excited to announce a special edition of Saké Nomi Cinema (aka “Movies to drink saké to”) to take place Wednesday, August 20 @ 7 p.m. Not only will we be screening the 1986 classic “The Karate Kid Part […]

Interview: Johnnie and Taiko of Sake Nomi

Johnnie and Taiko Stroud have something really unique in Seattle. I haven’t yet had the chance to visit, but it sounds like a little piece of paradise… they operate a Sake store called Sake Nomi, that also happens to be a sake tasting bar! How cool is that? Johnnie and Taiko were kind enough to […]

Seattle: Sake Nomi Cinema – Love and Honor

Saké Nomi Cinema: “Love and Honor” (2006, dir. Yoji Yamada) Saké Nomi Cinema wraps up its serial screening of director Yoji Yamada’s “samurai trilogy” with a special screening of “Love and Honor” this Sunday, August 3 @ 5 p.m. Former boy band pop idol/heartthrob Takuya Kimura stars as a low-level samurai whose job as “food […]

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Hokkaido Hits the Big Apple

Hokkaido is the northern most island of Japan, a huge place with lots of agriculture, open spaces and cold winters. It’s capital is Sapporo which calls to mind another certain alcoholic beverage more so than sake in the minds of most folks. However, one man is working to change all that. His name is Mr. […]