Chris’s Corner – SAKE DAY “Cheat Sheet”

Greetings Sake Fans and Connoisseurs,

Chris here, back at it with another Chris' Corner. Hisashiburi desu! Let's just cut right to the chase, since time is of the essence. Here is my cheat sheet for sake to try at SAKE DAY 2024! With so much sake to try, you have to plan accordingly. Of course, you cannot forget the basics before SAKE DAY begins: line up early, make sure you're fed, make sure you're hydrated. Now with that out of the way, let's get to it! 

In no particular order:

Skurnik - The new Gikyo 30 and Gikyo 50 are definitely catching my eye. Skurnik is not messing around, always bringing the heat. I swear I'm not on their payroll. But a Skurnik fanboy nonetheless.

Shirataki Sake Brewery - The new SEVEN 50 and SEVEN 60 are sounding delicious. Coincidentally, SEVEN is also this year's Welcome Sake! A true Niigata powerhouse.

Taste of Miyagi - Haginotsuru Junmai Ginjo and Hiwata Kimoto Junmai. Miyagi Prefecture is such a hot zone (not literally) for excellent sake. While these sake are not for sale, they are still worth trying.

Sake Infinity - The Tonoike series from Tochigi Prefecture looks like a lot of fun. We've carried Tonoike products in the past, so hopefully these new products will make their way to the United States soon. Currently not for sale.

Tochigi Prefecture - Yes, speaking of Tochigi Prefecture, they have a table too! Kyokuko Kimoto Junmai Ginjo Yeast No. 6 (should sound familiar to sake nerds) is the one to seek out.

BMMI - Matsunotsukasa are always making fun sake and this year should be no different. Importer Alex Bernardo (natural wine legend) first discovered this sake and has been a key component to bringing this Shiga Prefecture sensation to the United States.

Sake Suki - Abe is crushing it right now in the sake world. While they're based out of Niigata Prefecture, don't put them in the Niigata Tanrei box, because they are so much more than that. 

Kondo Shuzo - Speaking of Niigata Prefecture, another great brewery that is making its way to Sake Day is Kondo Shuzo. Niigata is a vast wonderland of sake, and Kondo Shuzo is bringing their unique flavor to Sake Day. Don't start with Miroku. Save it for later in the evening.

Homare Sake Brewery - One of the most underrated breweries ever. Hailing from Fukushima Prefecture, Homare will have a fun lineup of sake available. That Karahashi Junmai Ginjo "Black Label" is one of my favorites.

EHH - Tsuchida are bringing the funk! All natural, baby. I wouldn't start your evening with this though. Don't start with this. Save this for later. One of my absolute favorites from Gunma Prefecture.

And there you have it! See you at SAKE DAY 2024! Come say hi, don't be shy. 

Chris