Hello, Dear Nomidachi!

We cannot adequately express our profound appreciation for your tremendous support during the past couple weeks. 

Like everyone else, we are frustrated and anxious and trying to focus on just getting on with the new reality we've been dealt.

Your support and kind words of encouragement have helped us when we most need it, and we are, and will continue to be, eternally grateful.

Can you imagine the sake-fuelled celebration we're going to have once we get on the other side of this?  We can't wait to raise some glasses in your honor!

In the meantime, we are still operating on a RETAIL ONLY/Take Out/Curbside Pick-up basis until further notice, and our modified hours of operation remain:

Tuesday- Saturday: Noon- 6:00 pm
Sunday- Monday: CLOSED

We continue conducting "to go" retail sales at the shop during the above hours, as well as accepting orders via phone (206-467-7253) and e-mail (info@sakenomi.us or johnnie@sakenomi.us) for pick-up during our open hours. 

In addition to the featured sake mentioned below, we continue to offer the 200 or so premium sake selections we stock and have access to via our distributors, so if you are looking for a particular sake or need help with food pairing ideas, please call, email, or stop by, and we'll do our best to take care of you.

We're continuing to highlight the limited release spring "seasonal" unpasteurized brews, in part because we can, but also because they are so fresh and invigorating that they just feel like they are drinking exactly right for the current fairly dire circumstances we're all dealing with.

Thanks again for all you do for us, and for helping us to "keep the dream alive."

Arigatou & Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 

Current Featured Saké
Here are a few of our initial sake suggestions available this week:


Gokyo Arabashiri “First Run” Junmai Nama Genshu (Yamaguchi)
Extremely limited seasonal release! Tart, young fruit flavors of pear and apple.  Soft mouthfeel is in pleasant contrast to solid acidity and slightly bitter notes in the finish.  The brewery, Sakai Shuzo, was established in 1871.
$60/720 ml bottle

Seikyo “Omachi” Namazake Tokubetsu Junmai (Hiroshima)      Easily one of  Saké Nomi's most popular seasonal releases!  Soft & citrusy, with a luxurious, almost viscous mouthfeel.  Notes of grapefruit and lemon throughout, creating a wonderful, beguiling contrast between the sharpness of the acidic citrus elements and the silky texture.  Traces of minerality and astringency on the edges make it an ideal pairing for oysters on the half-shell.  $55/720 ml bottle 


Harushika “Spring Deer” Shiboribana Junmai Ginjo (Nara)                                  
Extremely limited seasonal release! Slight yellow tint, with essence of strawberry and gardenia.  Clean and vaguely citrus. Tingly and astringent character, with mineral notes in the somewhat dry finish.
$45/720 ml bottle






Shichi Hon Yari “Seven Spearsmen” Namazake Junmai (Shiga)                                  
Another intriguing seasonal release, the nose is slightly smokey and yeasty, with notes of browned bread pastry, tangerine, and even a little mozzarella.  Light and soft, it features melon and mellow fruitiness on the palate, with some smoke and earthiness mid-palate, and traces of astringency and tartness on the edges and in the finish. 
$45/720 ml bottle



Suigei “Drunken Whale” Tokubetsu Junmai (Kochi)                                               
Dry, with moderate impact and a clean, vaguely mineral taste.  Made to drink in vast quantities for serious saké drinkers!  “Drunken Whale” refers to an Edo-era (1603-1868) saké-loving lord.  $68/1.8L bottle; $32/720 ml bottle


Okunomatsu Tokubetsu Junmai (Fukushima)                                                           
Herbal and floral fragrance with apple and lemon notes on the palate.  Dry, light, and slightly acidic.  Layered, balanced, and settled.  $65/1.8 L bottle; $30/720 ml bottle


And, if you're interested, we've still got a few bottles of the following delicious brews kicking around:


Rihaku “Origins of Purity” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Shimane)                     
Limited seasonal release! Fairly pronounced golden tint, with aromas of peach, mango, kiwi, nectarine, and a touch of mint.  Silky, soft mouthfeel, with citrusy flavors of young fruit on the palate.  Richness and depth of flavor with an overall impression of being substantial but not overpowering. $60/720 ml bottle
 





Takatenjin “Sword of the Sun” Tokubetsu Honjozo (Shizuoka)  Faint golden tint, with mild berry notes in the nose. Soft mouthfeel, with perfect acidity. Vaguely sweet, but drier in the finish.  The story we heard is that this is the sake the kurabito who are brewing the sake most enjoy – so much so they had to increase production of it in order to have enough to sell to the rest of us!  $35/720 ml bottle

Greetings, Nomidachi!

As part of Governor Inslee's decree this evening to "Stay Home, Stay Healthy," many "non-essential" businesses will be closed for at least the next two weeks.  So, that's the bad news.

The good news is, as far as we can tell, corner stores, convenience stores, and liquor stores are exempt from having to immediately close and, as a result, we intend to operate on a RETAIL ONLY/Take Out/Curbside pick-up basis until further notice, and our modified hours of operation will remain:

Tuesday- Saturday: Noon- 6:00 pm
Sunday- Monday: CLOSED

So, again, we will continue conducting "to go" retail sales at the shop during those hours, as well as accepting orders via phone (206-467-7253) and e-mail (info@sakenomi.us or johnnie@sakenomi.us) for pick-up during our open hours. In addition, we will continue to offer curbside pick-up service, should you desire it.

As we mentioned in an earlier note, retail sales has only ever made up about half of Saké Nomi's normal business, so we are doing our best to adapt to the current situation, hoping it's temporary and will allow us to survive until things change for the better.

We'd like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to our local "regulars" (but you know some of you might be more accurately described as "irregular"), who have really stepped up and tremendously helped us by placing your orders these past couple weeks.  We continue to be here for you because you are so much here for us.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Current Featured Saké
Here are a few of our initial sake suggestions available this week:


Rihaku “Origins of Purity” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Shimane)                     
Limited seasonal release! Fairly pronounced golden tint, with aromas of peach, mango, kiwi, nectarine, and a touch of mint.  Silky, soft mouthfeel, with citrusy flavors of young fruit on the palate.  Richness and depth of flavor with an overall impression of being substantial but not overpowering. $60/720 ml bottle
 




Seikyo “Omachi” Namazake Tokubetsu Junmai (Hiroshima)      Easily one of  Saké Nomi's most popular seasonal releases!  Soft & citrusy, with a luxurious, almost viscous mouthfeel.  Notes of grapefruit and lemon throughout, creating a wonderful, beguiling contrast between the sharpness of the acidic citrus elements and the silky texture.  Traces of minerality and astringency on the edges make it an ideal pairing for oysters on the half-shell.  $55/720 ml bottle 


Koshi no Homare Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu (Niigata)
Very limited seasonal release -- we're down to the last case! Elements of rice and yeast in the nose.  Entry is quiet and soft, but then the brashness and boldness of the genshu (undiluted saké) makes its presence known.  A coating, dairy-like, “feel the heat” spread to the finish.  Direct and unostentatious; it’s all about the character of the local rice.  $40/720 ml bottle
 

Born “Gold” Junmai Daiginjo (Fukui)                                                    Brilliant, shiny gold color due to lack of charcoal filtration. Cinnamon and candied ginger in the nose. Full, soft, voluptuous mouthfeel. Good balance of all flavors, with hints of apple, cinnamon, and sweet dough/pastry on the palate. Dry finish with a trace of ginger. Elegant, with definite umami!  $50/720 ml bottle


Shichi Hon Yari “Seven Spearsmen” Namazake Junmai (Shiga)                                  
Another intriguing seasonal release, the nose is slightly smokey and yeasty, with notes of browned bread pastry, tangerine, and even a little mozzarella.  Light and soft, it features melon and mellow fruitiness on the palate, with some smoke and earthiness mid-palate, and traces of astringency and tartness on the edges and in the finish. 
$45/720 ml bottle




Takatenjin “Sword of the Sun” Tokubetsu Honjozo (Shizuoka)  Faint golden tint, with mild berry notes in the nose. Soft mouthfeel, with perfect acidity. Vaguely sweet, but drier in the finish.  The story we heard is that this is the sake the kurabito who are brewing the sake most enjoy – so much so they had to increase production of it in order to have enough to sell to the rest of us!  $35/720 ml bottle


Thank you so much for reading this and for remaining by our side through these confusing, difficult times.  Please be safe, keep washing those hands, and take good care of one another.

Dear, Nomidachi!

The Washingtonians among you are, no doubt, well aware of the extreme measures we are undertaking in Seattle and King County to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Following the directive of Governor Inslee and state health officials, beginning today, Saké Nomi will be conducting ONLY retail bottle sales of premium sake and related accessories.

Our modified hours of operation are:
Tuesday- Saturday: Noon- 6:00 pm
Sunday- Monday: CLOSED

So, we will be conducting "to go" retail sales at the shop during those hours, as well as accepting orders via phone (206-467-7253) and e-mail (info@sakenomi.us or johnnie@sakenomi.us) for pick-up during our open hours. In addition, we will also offer curbside pick-up service, should you desire it.

Retail sales has been roughly half of Saké Nomi's business for a while now, and we'll do our best to evolve and adapt to make purchases as easy and convenient as possible for you, and perhaps that will include online and delivery options in the near future.

As in the past with our weekly rotating menu, via social media (this newsletter, Facebook, Instagram) we will continue to spotlight special and seasonal sake selections, though our entire inventory (roughly 200 varieties) will be available for retail purchase, and we'll work on making a comprehensive list available online.

If you're looking for a particular sake, or are open to suggestions based on your interests, please feel free to contact us via phone or email, and we'll be glad to offer up some ideas.

Your support during the initial days of this crisis/catastrophe/whatever the heck we should call it has been inspiring, and we're determined to serve your sake needs as best we can, no matter what the circumstances.

Thank you for your kind friendship and patronage. You've kept us going during the past 12-plus years, and you've motivated us so that we're not about to stop doing what we do now.

All our gratitude, and Kanpai!

Current Featured Saké
Here are a few of our initial sake suggestions available this week:

Rihaku “Origins of Purity” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Shimane)                     
Limited seasonal release! Fairly pronounced golden tint, with aromas of peach, mango, kiwi, nectarine, and a touch of mint.  Silky, soft mouthfeel, with citrusy flavors of young fruit on the palate.  Richness and depth of flavor with an overall impression of being substantial but not overpowering. $60/720 ml bottle
 



Kuro Kabuto “Black Samurai Helmet” Junmai Daiginjo (Fukuoka)                       
The Darth Vader of saké strikes back!  Dark straw coloring (from lack of charcoal filtering), with raspberry, melon and sweet floral aromas.  Earthy, grounded, slightly tart sweetness, rich in umami.  Soft, yet pleasantly acidic.  This saké is made with “black” kuro koji (usually reserved for shochu production), which resembles a traditional samurai helmet (kabuto) when seen under a microscope. 
$50/720 ml bottle
 

Otokoyama Junmai Shiboritate Nama Genshu (Hokkaido)         
Very limited seasonal release -- just one case remains! Aromas of fresh linen, bamboo leaf and whole grain banana bread.  Clean and direct, with a hint of cream.  On the drier side, with some delayed spiciness in the finish.  $45/720 ml bottle
 





Koshi no Homare Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu (Niigata)
Very limited seasonal release -- we're down to the last case! Elements of rice and yeast in the nose.  Entry is quiet and soft, but then the brashness and boldness of the genshu (undiluted saké) makes its presence known.  A coating, dairy-like, “feel the heat” spread to the finish.  Direct and unostentatious; it’s all about the character of the local rice.  $40/720 ml bottle
 
Ichinokura “Ace Brewery” Junmai (Miyagi)                                        Earthy, grassy fragrance.  Quiet impact, with solid acidity and underlying sweetness.  Straightforward, with slight earthiness and an unassuming, almost feminine presence.
$35/720 ml bottle
 

Ichinokura Mukansa Chokarakuchi Honjozo (Miyagi)      Herbal and vegetable notes in nose.  Flavors of toffee, butter, and cedar on the palate.  Soft texture, with a clean, precise finish.  Chokarakuchi means “extra/super dry.”  $30/720 ml bottle






More Spring Namazake Arrivals
Two of our favorite and most unique seasonal treats return!

Seikyo “Omachi” Namazake Tokubetsu Junmai (Hiroshima)      Easily one of  Saké Nomi's most popular seasonal releases!  Soft & citrusy, with a luxurious, almost viscous mouthfeel.  Notes of grapefruit and lemon throughout, creating a wonderful, beguiling contrast between the sharpness of the acidic citrus elements and the silky texture.  Traces of minerality and astringency on the edges make it an ideal pairing for oysters on the half-shell.  $55/720 ml bottle 

Order by: Saturday, March 21
Confirmed In-store ETA: Tuesday, March 24


Shichi Hon Yari “Seven Spearsmen” Namazake Junmai (Shiga)                                  
The nose is slightly smokey and yeasty, with notes of browned bread pastry, tangerine, and even a little mozzarella.  Light and soft, it features melon and mellow fruitiness on the palate, with some smoke and earthiness mid-palate, and traces of astringency and tartness on the edges and in the finish.  $50/720 ml bottle

Order by: Saturday, March 21
Confirmed In-store ETA: Tuesday, March 24


Please let us know if you have any questions about the above mentioned sake, current operating conditions, or any other sake-related topics you can think of.

Again, be safe, keep washing those hands, and thanks for hanging with us as we scramble to figure things out.

Hello, Nomidachi!

You don't need us to tell you the coronavirus outbreak has been a game changer, and we won't belabor the point, but while you're doing your best to be safe and healthy, please don't forget how important your support is to your favorite small businesses and cafes/bars/restaurants. We've seen lots of scary stories about local establishments having to reduce staff and operating hours, and some even closing their doors for good. Running a small/independent business can be very challenging even in the best of times, and we're doing our best not to freak out and just keep on keeping on.

As we mentioned on Facebook the other day, we are here for you today because you've been here for us these past 12-plus years. We are profoundly grateful for your friendship and support, and we look forward to being of service to you for many years to come.


This Week's Schedule
Wed.- Sat. (3/11-14): 2-10 pm
Sun. (3/15): CLOSED 

Current Menu Highlights
Last week, we experienced our first coronavirus-related cancellation, when the representative from Ichinokura was unable to travel to Seattle for our planned "Meet the Brewer" sake tasting on March 6.

Some additional bad news: we already purchased a bunch of sake we were planning on pouring and selling at the event.

Now, for the good news: we're featuring those sake on this week's menu, and in a special flight, so that you can still taste and enjoy them.

Ichinokura was founded in 1973, when 4 breweries with centuries of history between them merged to form one brewery (ichi = one, kura = brewery). The Ichinokura sake we are featuring on this week's menu include:

Ichinokura Taru “Cedar Barrel” Tokubetsu Junmai                     Aged in old-fashioned cedar barrels, so it retains the refreshing aroma of Japanese cedar.  Smooth, solid, well-balanced saké with creamy aroma and mildly sweet, spicy flavor.  Pleasant to drink as kanzake (warm saké).  $40/720 ml bottle

Ichinokura “Ace Brewery” Junmai                                         
Earthy, grassy fragrance.  Quiet impact, with solid acidity and underlying sweetness.  Straightforward, with slight earthiness and an unassuming, almost feminine presence.  $40/720 ml bottle

Ichinokura Mukansa Chokarakuchi Honjozo                                    Herbal and vegetable notes in nose.  Flavors of toffee, butter, and cedar on the palate.  Soft texture, with a clean, precise finish.  Chokarakuchi means “extra/super dry.”  $30/720 ml bottle



Spring Namazake Arrivals from Japan Prestige
Confirmed ETA: Tues., March 17
(just in time for St. Pat's, most of them come in green bottles)

Though they're arriving a week or so later than we originally anticipated, we ordered plenty from the importer and distributor, so there is still ample time for you to lay claim to a few of these once yearly releases.  They arrive Tuesday, March 17, and we will begin featuring them by the glass on next week's menu, until they run out.

Order by: Saturday, March 14
Confirmed In-store ETA: Tuesday, March 17


Gokyo Arabashiri “First Run” Junmai Nama Genshu (Yamaguchi)        
Tart, young fruit flavors of pear and apple.  Soft mouthfeel is in pleasant contrast to solid acidity and slightly bitter notes in finish.  The brewery, Sakai Shuzo, was established in 1871.
Price: $60/720 ml bottle


Harushika “Spring Deer” Shiboribana Junmai Ginjo (Nara)                                  
Slight yellow tint, with essence of strawberry and gardenia.  Clean and vaguely citrus. Tingly and astringent character, with mineral notes in the somewhat dry finish.
Price: $45/720 ml bottle

 





Otokoyama Junmai Shiboritate Nama Genshu (Hokkaido) Aromas of fresh linen, bamboo leaf and whole grain banana bread.  Clean and direct, with a hint of cream.  On the drier side, with some delayed spiciness in the finish. 
Price: $45/720 ml bottle
 
 






Koshi no Homare Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu (Niigata)                 
Elements of rice and yeast in the nose.  Entry is quiet and soft, but then the brashness and boldness of the genshu (undiluted saké) makes its presence known.  A coating, dairy-like, “feel the heat” spread to the finish.  Direct and unostentatious; it’s all about the character of the local rice. 
Price: $40/720 ml bottle                 


There will be additional limited seasonal release sake in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned.

Thanks again for your support through the good times and bad. 

Greetings, Nomidachi!

We have some news about special sake, upcoming events, and schedule tweaks, so let's get right to it!

"Meet the Brewer" Sake Tasting Events
TONIGHT --Wed., March 4: Kodama Brewing Co. (Akita prefecture)

Fri., March 6: Ichinokura Brewing Co. (Miyagi) CANCELLED

We hope you'll make plans to join us tonight as we welcome some very special guests from Japan for the next session of our "Meet the Brewer" sake tasting series.

Kodama Brewing Co.: Tonight, March 4 @ 5:30- 8:00 pm
Founded in 1876 as a soy sauce and miso producer, the Kodama family began brewing sake in 1913 under the brand, Taiheizan, named after the towering Akita spiritual symbol, Mt. Taihei ("Great Peaceful Mountain). They introduced Japan's first chilled sake in 1933, and have gone on to win multiple Japanese sake industry and international awards over the wide range of their sake varieties. Kodama's Taiheizan sake is noted for its rich, complex, and umami-laden flavor profile, due in large part to their unique modification of the traditional kimoto brewing method now known as Akita Kimoto.


Ichinokura Brewing Co.: Fri., March 6
Unfortunately, due to travel complications related to the coronavirus, our guests are unable to come to Seattle at this time, and this event has been CANCELLED.

We'll do our best to reschedule, but in the meantime, we are planning on featuring Ichinokura sake on next week's menu, so please stop by for a taste.


This Week's Schedule
Wed.- Sat. (3/4-7): 2- 10 pm
Sun. (3/8): CLOSED



Spring Namazake Arrivals
The sake we mentioned last week (and included below) will be arriving at Saké Nomi very soon, but there is still time for you to reserve a bottle or two (or more!), if you're interested.

In addition, we've just learned another very special spring namazake is available NOW, and we plan on featuring it this Friday and Saturday, March 6-7). It is:

Rihaku “Origins of Purity” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Shimane)                    
One of our favorite and most popular limited seasonal release sake!  Fairly pronounced golden tint, with aromas of peach, mango, kiwi, nectarine, and a touch of mint.  Silky, soft mouthfeel, with citrusy flavors of young fruit on the palate.  Richness and depth of flavor with an overall impression of being substantial but not overpowering.
Price: $60/720 ml bottle
Order by: Noon, Thursday, March 5
In-store ETA: Friday, March 6


(Below are the sake we mentioned last week. Still available!)

Gokyo Arabashiri “First Run” Junmai Nama Genshu (Yamaguchi)        
Tart, young fruit flavors of pear and apple.  Soft mouthfeel is in pleasant contrast to solid acidity and slightly bitter notes in finish.  The brewery, Sakai Shuzo, was established in 1871.
Price: $60/720 ml bottle
Order by: Noon, Sunday, March 8
In-store ETA: Friday, March 13


Harushika “Spring Deer” Shiboribana Junmai Ginjo (Nara)                                  
Slight yellow tint, with essence of strawberry and gardenia.  Clean and vaguely citrus. Tingly and astringent character, with mineral notes in the somewhat dry finish.
Price: $45/720 ml bottle
Order by: Noon, Sunday, March 8
In-store ETA: Friday, March 13

 





Otokoyama Junmai Shiboritate Nama Genshu (Hokkaido) Aromas of fresh linen, bamboo leaf and whole grain banana bread.  Clean and direct, with a hint of cream.  On the drier side, with some delayed spiciness in the finish. 
Price: $45/720 ml bottle
Order by: Noon, Sunday, March 8
In-store ETA: Friday, March 13
 
 




Koshi no Homare Shiboritate Junmai Nama Genshu (Niigata)                 
Elements of rice and yeast in the nose.  Entry is quiet and soft, but then the brashness and boldness of the genshu (undiluted saké) makes its presence known.  A coating, dairy-like, “feel the heat” spread to the finish.  Direct and unostentatious; it’s all about the character of the local rice. 
Price: $40/720 ml bottle 
Order by: Noon, Sunday, March 8
In-store ETA: Friday, March 13                


As always, thanks so much for your support. Please let us know if we can assist to meet your premium sake needs in any way.