For The Sake of Saké (Part 1) with Michael Achach

This week we are joined by certified sommelier Michael Achach to discuss all things saké! In the first half of our two part special, we discuss how to taste sake, what defines a daiginjo saké, and start to discuss what goes into brewing saké.

Cocktail & Saké Discussed:

Rising Star

1/2 oz. Etsu Japanese Gin

1/2 oz. Misadventure & Co. Vodka

1 oz. Saké Bermutto

1 oz. Nova Brewing Co. Gravity Saké

Inspired by the Evening Star by Julia Momosé, as published in The Way Of The Cocktail

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, and express a lemon twist over the surface of the drink. Drop it in as a garnish, and serve.

Eiko Fuji Honkara - "Located in the Yamagata region of northern Japan, the Fuji Brewing Company was founded in 1778 and is now led by the 13th generation of the Kato family. The Kato’s named their sake after Mt. Fuji because they wanted their sake to be as glorious as this symbol. Honkara is an abbreviation for Honjozo Karakuchi, which is a classic type of sake. Honjozo is rich and robust. Karakuchi means it is dry. Prized for its richness and its dryness, Eiko Fuji Honkara is a wonderful and balanced representation of the style. This sake has a light and silky mouthfeel, some marshmallow sweetness, and a crisp dry finish." - https://www.jotosake.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Eiko_Honkara-sell-sheet.pdf

Fukucho "Moon on the Water" - "This vibrant showstopper is beautifully soft and feminine, brewed by one of Japan's only female brewery owners and tojis. Brewed in Hiroshima, the birthplace of Ginjo sake, which is known for remarkably soft water that requires expert skill to use in sake production. Once mastered, it enables a highly controlled, precise fermentation, resulting in vibrant fruit aromas. This Junmai Ginjo is bottled immediately without charcoal filtering." - https://www.tippsysake.com/products/fukucho-moon-on-the-water

Rihaku "Wandering Poet" - "With broad appeal and a memorable, sturdy flavor, this sake has the ability to complement even the most wine-unfriendly vegetables. This Junmai Ginjo is made with Yamada Nishiki rice, known as the pinnacle of quality for sake rice. It is named after the famous Chinese poet, Li Po, who was said to drink a bottle of sake and write one hundred poems." - https://www.vineconnections.com/japanese-sake/grades/junmai-ginjo-ginjo/wandering-poet/