In-Store Saturday Tastings – Chris Presents October Tastings of Note (FREE with 21+ID)
October 10th - Ryujin Shuzo Tasting with Mutual Trading and Alex Bemis
WHEN: Sat, Oct 10th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake, 556 Hayes Street
WHO: Mutual Trading and Alex Bemis
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
Calling all Ryujin Shuzo fans, and anyone who's about to become one! Saddle up, because Mutual Trading and Alex Bemis are rolling into True Sake to pour sake from Ryujin Shuzo in Gunma Prefecture, and we are beyond excited.
Let's be honest: we don't play favorites. Okay, we totally do, and Ryujin Shuzo is one of them. Top ten producers in all of Japan, for sure, and that's a tough list to crack! Their sake is smooth, polished, and made with the kind of care that makes our staff light up every time we open a bottle. This is a brewery that has earned its place on our shelves and in our hearts. Alex will be pouring three standout bottles: the elegant Ryujin Kakushi Ginjo, the aptly named Bull Rider (hold on tight, this one has some kick), and the pretty-in-pink Oze Rose. Three very different personalities from one remarkable brewery, and one very good afternoon.
Come taste why Ryujin Shuzo is of the highest caliber. Bring a friend, bring your curiosity, and prepare to meet your new favorite producer. Don't miss it!
October 17th - "No Boundaries? No Problem!" Tasting with True Sake Staff
WHEN: Sat, Oct 17th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake, 556 Hayes Street
WHO: True Sake Staff!
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
We'll be showcasing sakes that do not abide by the traditional sake categories called the Tokutei Meishoshu. Categories such as Ginjo and Daiginjo are dropped in this case because brewers feel it's either not necessary, redundant, or a brewer does not want to be defined by a category. Nowadays, you're seeing a big movement with brewers doing this. The toji's attitude is basically, "Just shut up and drink the sake, and quit getting hung up on the details."
I, Chris, am all for this movement. I personally think customers should be seeking out flavor profiles like floral/fruity, crisp/clean, earthy/funky, rice-forward/classic, wacky/oddball, etc. vs. established categories like Junmai Daiginjo. Reason being is that you could have a Daiginjo fan totally miss out on some Ginjo sake polished to 50%. Or what about that Koueigiku that drinks freaking fantastic, but it's not a Junmai Daiginjo? Or is it? Who knows! It kind of drinks like one. Don't be defined by categories. Don't even get me started on seimaibuai...
Here's what we'll be tasting: Koueigiku Muroka Nama Genshu "Hello! Omachi", Senkin Kimoto Genshu Yamadanishiki "Modern", and Ohmine 3 Grain Yamadanishiki. Come to this tasting and expand your horizons!
October 24th - Tasting with Suzuki Marketing and Richard Bischoff
WHEN: Saturday, October 24th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake, 556 Hayes Street
WHO: Suzuki Marketing and Richard Bischoff
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
Look who's back! Suzuki Marketing and Richard Bischoff are returning to the tasting counter at True Sake, and we are delighted to welcome Richard back. Richard and his fun, diverse sake portfolio are always full of hidden gems. This Saturday is shaping up to be a good one.
We've known Richard-san for a while now, and his sake enthusiasm is like no other. Seriously, ask him about sake and then settle in, because you're in for a great conversation. He can talk sake all day, and you'll walk away with at least one quote worth repeating. That kind of passion is contagious, and you'll leave with a fresh appreciation for sake.
We haven't finalized the sake lineup yet, but rest assured Richard-san will be bringing only top notch nihonshu. Curious? Good. Stop by, say hello, and come discover your next hidden gem. Don't miss it!
October 31st - Trick or Treat-Themed Tasting with True Sake Staff
WHEN: Saturday, October 31st from 2:00 – 4:00 PM
WHERE: True Sake, 556 Hayes Street
WHO: True Sake Staff!
WHAT: Free Sake Tasting for 21+ with ID
Trick or treat! We're bringing back our Trick or Treat-themed tasting from 2024, and this year the cloaks are coming out again. We'll be pouring three mystery sakes: a Zombie, a Vampire, and a Ghost. But here's the twist: you, the customer, will taste them blindly and have to figure out what sake is hiding underneath the cloak!
Don't worry, we won't leave you completely in the dark. We'll give you some stats like SMV and acidity, and maybe even price. But after that, you're on your own. Will you crack the case, or will you be spooked by your own palate? Only one way to find out!
This should be a fun tasting, as we have fond memories of doing it the first time around. There are some new sakes on the shelf this year, so if you came out for the original, no need to fret, because there's a good chance you'll be trying something new. Bring a friend, wear a costume if you like (totally optional), and get ready for a spooky good time. Don't miss it!