Jason

Hello, I'm Jason. On my days off, I love exploring local restaurants and experimenting with different food and sake pairings.

While I've mostly gravitated toward fruitier sake styles, I'm excited for my palate to evolve and share that journey with all of you. Here are my current top 5 favorites:

Shirataki Junmai Daiginjo "Seven" - When I first tried it, it was like stepping into a room filled with flowers. The aromas in this sake are incredible! It finishes with a gentle sweetness that makes it perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with something salty.

Sougen Junmai Ginjo "Samurai Princess" - This one boasts an amazing aroma with refreshing fruit notes, and its blue bottle perfectly complements its taste.

Sougen Junmai "Samurai Prince" - I wasn't typically a fan of Junmai before trying this one. It still maintains the expected ricey elements, but there's a hint of fruitiness that adds a unique twist.

Fukucho Junmai "Forgotten Fortune" - I had the privilege of meeting the master brewer herself Miho Imada and hearing the story behind this sake. It's made from revitalized rice called 'Hattanso' which was almost extinct before the brewer's efforts. Really cool bottle with plenty of fruity and refreshing notes and an uplifting feel.

Okunomatsu Ginjo - I'll admit, I used to have a bias against non-Junmai bottles, thinking they had a bitter and harsh aftertaste due to the added brewer's alcohol. However, this one completely shattered my bias! It's fruity, gentle, well-rounded, and has just the right touch of ricey elements for a well-balanced sake.