Every year on November 3rd, Culture Day is celebrated in Japan. Various festivities are held around the country, museums are free to visit, and universities and schools display their students artwork in honor of their talents. The country comes together to celebrate and honor their traditions, saké included.
As we enter a season filled with honoring our own traditions, many of us are taking time to consider what we are grateful for. With three vastly different yet equally wonderful selections this month, we're off to a great start!
Don't forget that you can purchase extra bottles of your November club selections all month, for 10% off!
If you would like to utilize our contactless pick-up option for your club at Metro, please call us at 907-569-3800 [ext. 1] to coordinate. We will get your name and pull your items. To use this option, the name on the ID must match the name of the person on the club list.
Tozai Blossom of Peace
Plum Sake
In Japan plum blossoms are known as "the flowers of peace" and symbolize growth, renewal, and awakening.
Tozai soaks local aodani plums in saké for over three months to make Blossom of Peace. Almond and marzipan notes in the aroma are followed by flavors of plum, apricot, and cherry. The soft tartness and juicy acidity are balanced by a slightly sweet and smooth finish.
If you're feeling like a real awakening try combining with bourbon for a Manhattan with a Japanese twist!
Pair with glazed salmon, or pecan pie, and peach cobbler.
RihAKU DANCE OF DISCOVERY
Junmai
Rihaku is named after the famous Chinese poet from the 8th century, Li Po, who was known to drink a big bottle of sake and write a hundred poems.
The brewery is in Shimane, known for its quaint population and abundance of natural resources. Their 5th generation president, Tanaka, also presides as toji brewer and is constantly researching new types of rice and yeast for sake.
The Rihaku Dance of Discovery is a textured and layered sake, that is smoky yet sweet, with an uplifting acidity on the finish.
Pair with stuffed mushrooms, turkey legs, and roasted vegetables.
YOSHINOGAWA WINTER WARRIOR
Junmai Ginjo
Located in Niigata, Yoshinogawa was founded in 1584. It's the eighth oldest sake brewery in Japan, so many centuries of sake knowledge goes into each bottle. They aim to represent their lush agricultural region, deep winter snows, abundant pristine water, and their pure love of the craft.
The icy blue bottle will get you excited for the chilly days ahead, and the saké itself will get you excited for the next sip! Or, if you don't want to be a winter warrior, the tropical notes in this will transport you to somewhere warmer.
Medium bodied, the lychee and honeydew notes are anything but frigid.
Pair with green bean casserole, lemon meringue pie, and sautéed greens.
