Kikusui Tasting at Sakaya

Sakaya has started the new year off right with weekly free sake tastings! On a recent evening, Representatives from Kikusui Brewery were on hand to explain about there sakes and sample some special sakes just for the occasion.

Kikusui is a very well known brewery, in a Prefecture already world famous for it’s sake: Niigata. The Kikusui website has an extensive explanation of the company and the brewing process all in English. Not to be missed!

Visiting from the Brewery were Kikusui President Mr. Takasawa and Export Sales Manager Mr. Endo. They were both incredibly enthusiastic and gave us the low down on what they were pouring. We tasted:

*Kikusui Junmai Ginjo: Clean, clear and a fantastic representative of that renowned Niigata water. Everyone comments on the beautiful Blue bottle. Drinkable and enjoyable everyday with great versatility.

*Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Genshu Honjozo in a can: This sake is well known to me and I have had enjoyed it many times. This sake deserves a guest spot on “The Bold and the Beautiful” because it’s just that. And come on, people! The can is just fun. Full, juicy and quite a handful (in a good way).

*Kikusui Daiginjo Genshu Competition Sake in a can: ok, if the Nama Genshu Honjozo was bold and beautiful, this puppy is bold and beautiful and a Ph.D. Gorgeous, full flavor and a deep complexity. Not a sake to drink everyday, but this was an amazing opportunity to taste something so well crafted.

Rick and Hiroko had quite a crowd at the event and there was a run on Kikusui Junmai Ginjo which was sold out by the end of the evening. Mr. Takasawa was a fantastic representative for his Brewery and helped every one to enjoy their introduction to Kikusui. I can’t wait to try more from this brewery next chance I get!