Sake Spotlight – Sake Spotlight – “Susuru” or “Slurp” Sake With Ramen from Miyagi

Sometimes we forget how cool sake is! I mean it’s a libation that is over 1500 years-old, but it is still changing with the times and finding new expression after new expression all the while being “sake.” And every once in a while, we at True Sake get to be at the front end of one of these changing stories, and by extension the story plays out because of you, the great readers of this Newsletter and our very valued and loyal True Sake community.

This new expression of sake came from David Sakamoto (Jizake Quest) who is the importer of Sasaki Shuzouten sake makers from Miyagi Prefecture. You might have met them at SAKE DAY, or already purchased their Housen Nami No Oto products from True Sake in the shape of “Loin” Junmai Daiginjo or their Tokubetsu Junmai made with local Miyagi Kura No Hana rice milled to 55%. This particular sake is the brew that is “changing for the times,” in an effort to attract a new breed of sake consumers, who like both manga and ramen. 

David and Sasaki-Shacho decided to rebrand the TJ because as David put it, “I’m curious to see if the tie to ramen or the label itself attracts the consumer, especially newbies since ramen is so common.” He went on, “So many labels in Japan now show sake paired with certain foods (oysters, sanma, etc.), but those foods tend to be so esoteric or not on your everyday menu. Sake labels in Japan are changing with the times, but many are still stuck on kanji that aren’t memorable to the foreign market.” 

So consider yourself at the beginning of a new sake project that is good for the brewer, good for the importer, good for True Sake, and of course good for all sake drinkers, especially those new to sake via ramen!

Herewith are David’s thoughts on this label transformation, and he had a friend design the “Sake With Ramen” anime character that drives the whole concept: 

Susuru means Slurp – Sake with Ramen – Slurp Your Ramen and Sake!

A bowl of steaming-hot ramen- aromas of sweet, salty, spicy and umami envelopes your senses. A simple comfort food shared around the globe from a simple instant cup to Michelin-star restaurants. The key to the best ramen is the broth – from light dashi to complex stocks using different enhancers (salt, shoyu, miso, seafood, pork, sesame) creating a perfect balance of flavor. 

What sake is best suited for the refreshing contrast to ramen’s saltiness and umami notes? Whether it’s a light dashi broth or a rich tonkotsu broth, the sake needs to stand up with the broth and dance to your senses. The flavors in each need to bring out the best in the other. A sake with moderate to high acidity along with an earthy umami taste profile. Our recommendation for your sake with ramen? SUSURU – Housen Nami no Oto Tokubetsu Junmai Kura no Hana. 

A special Junmai that you will not get tired of drinking and can pair with virtually all styles of ramen. Its rich umami combines with moderate acidity to make this sake so enjoyable. It is definitely a foodie’s sake to pair with your next bowl of ramen. 

• Tokubetsu Junmai

• Kura no Hana rice

• ABV: 16%

• SMV: ±0 

• Acidity: 2.0 (Amino: 1.5)

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