Sakaya’s February Tasting Roundup

My friends Rick and Hiroko at Sakaya (324 E. 9th Street, 212-505-7253) have a fantastic and seemingly endless parade of superior, and FREE tasting events happening at their Sake Shop. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check their website to learn about the tasting schedule or better yet, contact them at the store to get on their email list for future events! Here is a “greatest hits” of what Sakaya was up to in February.

February 9, 2 to 4PM: Our beloved Sakagura Sake Sommelier Chizuko-san was at Sakaya introducing customers to some great sake selections for Valentines day! As usual, Chizuko-san was spot on in her selections that fit the occasion perfectly. Forget flowers and chocolate… Sake is bringing sexy back. We sampled:
*Yuki no Bosha Junmai Ginjo
*Hanatomoe Junmai Ginjo
*Dassai 50 Nigori

February 15, 6 to 8PM: Oh joy, oh rapture! the first release spring namas are here and Rick and Hiroko hosted sake master Kazu Yamazaki of Japan Prestige. These namas FLY off the shelf and are only around for a limited time, so drink early, drink often. Kazu-san is a font of knowledge when it comes to sake and there is always something to learn from him. This fantastic tasting included:
*Koshi no Homare Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu
*Kamikokoro Tokagen Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu (Golden Masu winner!)
*Shutendouji Oh-Oni Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu

February 21, 6 to 8PM: One of the great things about Sakaya events is the chance to sample some sakes that are off the beaten path. that is just the case for this insightful tasting. Yoshihiko Takao from the Jizake was pouring two great sakes!
*Daishichi Junmai Kimoto Classic
*Chiyomusubi Tokubetsu Junmai

February 22, 6 to 8PM: Kagatobi in da’ house! Kagatobi is a name you should know! It’s a fantastic brand from Ishikawa prefecture. These sakes are balanced and really speak to me. Watch out for that Yamahai Junmai. It’s a special one. You can tell that all these sakes are brewed with strong attention to detail. never a bad thing in sake!  We enjoyed:
*Kagatobi Cho Karakuchi Yamahai Junmai
*Kagatobi Ai Junmai Daiginjo