SakéOne Tasting

The more saké I try over the years, the more I enjoy it. More importantly, I think that aside from the inherent pleasures of the beverage, it has an important role in helping develop the nose and palate of the wine enthusiast.

SakéOne is based in Oregon and produces some delightful domestic brews that I've covered in the past. However, they are also a significant importer of Japanese saké and have long term relationships with the original kuras back in the Land of the Rising Sun. During a recent online tasting we got to sample four sakés from Japan, all in the 300mL half bottle format, though the prices listed below are for full 720mL bottles.

Yoshinogawa Winter Warrior
$27, 14%
Clean and mild with light citrus notes. This is a Niigata-style saké made in part to go with spicier Asian-fusion foods here in the United States.

Murai Family Tanrei Junmai
$20, 14.5% abv.
Almost like vodka but at a lower alcohol percentage. Extremely mild and neutral and one that I would reserve for the most delicate sushi and sashimi.

Kasumi Tsuru Kimoto Extra Dry
$27, 16% abv.
Earthy aroma, nice grain flavors. Savory with hints of mushrooms... Certainly a good pick for folks who love Old World Pinot Gris.

Hakutsuru Superior Junmai Ginjo
$16, 14.5% abv.
Lightly sweet and floral. At the least expensive it is also fascinating, and one that really needs to be sipped and enjoyed from a good wine glass.

Note: These bottles were provided as samples for review.