Nomidachi News Archive

May 2020



May 25

Konnichi wa, Nomidachi!


We hope you enjoyed some relaxing time this past holiday weekend. If it was, indeed, the unofficial start of summer, we say, "Bring it on!"

We're still sticking to our revised hours of operation for  RETAIL ONLY/Take Out/Curbside Pick-up service, which are:

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

As circumstances allow, we will slowly make our way back to being able to pour some sake at the bar, so please stay tuned for future announcements.

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts with your generous support. We hope you and your loved ones continue to do the best you can to hang in there, and we look forward to seeing you again, in person, before too long.

Arigatou & Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 


This Week's Featured Saké
This time around, it's a mix of new rarities and favored brews we'd like to introduce to a wider audience. We hope you'll discover some new favorites, too!


Senkin “Classic” Omachi Junmai Daiginjo (Tochigi)                                                           
Slightly golden tint, with a clean, fresh nose reminiscent of pine needles. Lively, fresh, nearly effervescent on the palate, with notes of pineapple and lemon/citrus. A rare export to the US -- only 1250 cases produced each year.  $50/720 ml bottle






Denshin Haru “Spring” Junmai Ginjo (Fukui)                                                            
Limited seasonal release! This nama (unpasteurized) genshu (undiluted) has a brilliant golden hue with a gorgeous floral and candied bouquet.  Richly flavored, with intense ripe peach fruitiness on the palate.  Viscous, almost syrupy texture is nicely contrasted with perfect acidity.
Did you know?/Fun Facts: Haru is the fresh, "nouveau," unpasteurized version of Denshin Yuki ("Snow") Junmai Ginjo (available year-round), and the brewery recycles pieces of the label from one sake to create the other (check the photo!). Also, for what it's worth, Kastuyama, Fukui, where the brewery is located, is known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" since more fossils have been discovered there than any other area in Japan.  $45/720 ml bottle



Izumofuji “Yamada Nishiki 50” Junmai Ginjo (Shimane)                            
New to Washington! Pretty gold coloring, with pineapple, pear, and candied sugar aromas in the nose. Soft, billowy mouthfeel, with a suggestion of tart cherry on the semi-dry palate. Just as elegant as the beautiful label suggests. 
$40/720 ml bottle






Taiheizan Chogetsu “Clear Moon” Junmai Ginjo (Akita)                 
New to Washington! Mellow golden tint, with aromas of pear, raisins, and dairy. Soft, almost viscous, mouthfeel, showing mild tropical fruit on the palate with a hint of grapefruit bitterness on the edges. A smooth, easy drinker in a handsome bottle.
$40/720 ml bottle


Dewazakura Sarasara Ginjo Nama Nigori (Yamagata)           
The nama nigori (cloudy sake) version of the super popular Oka “Cherry Blossom” Ginjo from one of our favorite Tohoku producers.  We sold out of last year’s initial shipment so quickly, we haven’t had a chance to do our notes on it yet – what do YOU think?? Kanpai!  $38/720 ml bottle





Kaze no Mori “Wind of the Woods” Junmai Muroka Nama Genshu (Nara)       
Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted (17% ABV), the brewery's unique bottling process allows the sake to retain an uncommon liveliness and effervescence upon opening.  The flavors transform on the palate in intriguing and savory ways the more time you spend enjoying your glass.  $34/720 ml bottle


Choryo “Omachi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Nara)                                      
Not exactly new to Washington, but kind of criminally under appreciated. Faint golden tint, with earthy, yeasty aromas. Soft and light, with a hint of butterscotch and toffee on the palate. Settled (aged for 30 months in the bottle), and rounds out nicely and is comforting when warm (room temp might be best). Fantastic “daily drinker” that we recently rediscovered – great value and “bang for your buck.”
$30/720 ml bottle

May 12

Hello, Sake Lovers!


One day at a time, right?

Last week was a pretty rough one, business-wise, but we hope you all are doing well and keeping safe and healthy.

Under the current circumstances/safety restrictions, we're sticking with our revised schedule for RETAIL ONLY/Take Out/Curbside Pick-up service, and our hours remain:

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

We were perhaps a little overzealous in our purchasing last week, so we continue to feature some of the delicious seasonal treats we mentioned last week.

However, we realize that sometimes people have difficulty remembering the names of brews they've enjoyed and it can be easier and more interesting to connect a story to the sake you like. In that spirit, we've included some "Did you know?/Fun Facts" in the descriptions below.

Thanks very much for your continued support, and please keep drinking the good stuff!

Arigatou & Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 


This Week's Featured Saké
We've still got access to some of this year's limited seasonal releases and we are absolutely thrilled to bring back some old favorites.


Masumi “Arabashiri” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Nagano) Saké Nomi’s most popular limited seasonal release returns!  Did you know?/Fun Facts: Established in 1662, Miyasaka Brewing Co. is the 1946 birthplace of Yeast No. 7, the most famous and widely used yeast in ginjo sake production. In making this year's version of Arabashiri, the brewers used a variant of the usual Yeast No. 7, resulting in higher levels of acidity and umami (that mysterious, magical, savory flavor), making it particularly versatile and well-suited to food pairing.
$40/720 ml bottle (Special "end of season" reduced price!)


Taka “Noble Arrow” Tokubetsu Junmai Namazake (Yamaguchi)           
Limited seasonal release! Golden coloring with vaguely citrus and mineral notes in the nose. Soft, pretty mouthfeel. Mildly sweet, but with tart, almost sour accents, as well. Nice acidity and a finish that kind of hangs around.
Did you know?/Fun Facts: The 4th generation president/toji (head brewer) Takahiro Nagayama is the namesake for this sake -- the first character of his name, Taka, means "noble." Nagayama-san has been inspired by the natural wines of France and the concept of terroir, and puts an emphasis on using only local ingredients in his brews. The brewery grows some of its own rice (unusual for most breweries), and the local water source is naturally filtered through limestone caves, so there is a higher level of calcium and a resulting crisp minerality in the sake. $50/720ml bottle


Tatenokawa 50 Nakadori Junmai Daiginjo (Yamagata)                                          
Sadly, soon to be discontinued! 
Did you know?/Fun Facts: In 2010, Tatenokawa became the first brewery in Yamagata prefecture to brew only Junmai Daiginjo grade sake. The discontinuation of this wonderful sake is due to a shortage of the local Dewasansan rice. Very limited quantity still available for purchase!
  Full and soft, with a mellow golden tint and a fragrant bouquet of apple, quince, and cherry.  A unique combination of rich and dry flavors, with solid acidity. Gorgeous and substantial, and though the purity of the water is distinctly expressed, that pleasant acidity is what ties it all together. Saké Nomi’s second best-seller in 2019.  $45/720 ml bottle



Denshin Haru “Spring” Junmai Ginjo (Fukui)                                                            
Limited seasonal release! This nama (unpasteurized) genshu (undiluted) has a brilliant golden hue with a gorgeous floral and candied bouquet.  Richly flavored, with intense ripe peach fruitiness on the palate.  Viscous, almost syrupy texture is nicely contrasted with perfect acidity.
Did you know?/Fun Facts: Haru is the fresh, "nouveau," unpasteurized version of Denshin Yuki ("Snow") Junmai Ginjo (available year-round), and the brewery recycles pieces of the label from one sake to create the other (check the photo!). Also, for what it's worth, Kastuyama, Fukui, where the brewery is located, is known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" since more fossils have been discovered there than any other area in Japan.  $45/720 ml bottle



Narutotai “Ginjo Shiboritate” Nama Genshu (Tokushima)
Did you know?/Fun Facts: The brewery was established in 1804, making it the oldest brewery in Tokushima prefecture, and the current president is the family's 10th generation. Known as the "oil can" in Seattle, the concept for the packaging is an image of the fresh, unpasteurized, undiluted sake going from the big fermentation tank directly to this smaller one so we can enjoy the sake at its freshest best. The bold flavor profile characteristics make it great for "western" food, too.
It’s baaaaack! Yeasty, sweet grain aromas.  Soft, full, gentle mouthfeel, with ripened fruit sweetness and slight minerality.  Lingering finish shows a touch of mint.  The “oil can” would be ideal at a barbecue, or with fatty sashimi.  The brewery was established in 1804.  $50/720 ml can



Tedorikawa Kinka “Gold Blossom” Daiginjo (Ishikawa)      Floral nose, with notes reminiscent of dates and raisins.  Mild spice, minerality, and cinnamon notes on the palate.  Subtly layered, soft and settled.  Deep, rich, mature, and mellow, especially for a namazake (unpasteurized saké).  From the brewery featured in the documentary, The Birth of Saké (2015). 
Did you know?/Fun Facts: The brewery was established in 1870, and the current president/toji is the family's 6th generation. The Birth of Saké documentary showed some of the challenges the brewery faces as a small player in the market, but as a result of the popularity of the film, the brewery found it had a new, perhaps more envious problem of not being able to keep up with increased demand!
$45/720 ml bottle (New, reduced price!)



Okunomatsu Ginjo (Fukushima)                                                  
Clean, layered, and balanced.  Reminiscent of fresh spring water.  Mildly fragrant grape and pear aromas. Fantastic cost performance/"bang for your buck."  Did you know?/Fun Facts: Founded in 1716, this is the first brewery to use an automated pasteurizer, which showers the already filled bottles with hot water, so the the brewery developed a special cap to withstand the resulting internal pressure. Champion Sake of the International Wine Challenge 2018.  $32/720 ml bottle

 

May 18

Hi there, Sake People!


We're glad to announce we're still here, and we hope you are, too. Or, something like that . . .

We're probably still a little ways out from being able to host you once again at the tasting bar, so we'll maintain our scheduled hours of operation for  RETAIL ONLY/Take Out/Curbside Pick-up service, as

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

While the availability on some of the spring seasonal release brews is decreasing, we're still able to get our hands on some of the favorites, and we'll keep bringing them to you as long as we can. At the same time, we'd like to bring to your attention some other really great sake that (under normal circumstances) you can enjoy year-round.

Thanks again for hanging in there with us as we attempt to improvise and survive, and continued best wishes for the health and welfare of you and your loved ones.

Keep taking good care of one another, and keep on keeping on! We can't wait to see you again!!

Arigatou & Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 


This Week's Featured Saké
We're glad to present a mix of some limited seasonal offerings, as well as some lesser known brews we think deserve some love. Enjoy!


Senkin “Classic” Omachi Junmai Daiginjo (Tochigi)                                                           
Slightly golden tint, with a clean, fresh nose reminiscent of pine needles. Lively, fresh, nearly effervescent on the palate, with notes of pineapple and lemon/citrus. A rare export to the US -- only 1250 cases produced each year.  $50/720 ml bottle





Denshin Haru “Spring” Junmai Ginjo (Fukui)                                                            
Limited seasonal release! This nama (unpasteurized) genshu (undiluted) has a brilliant golden hue with a gorgeous floral and candied bouquet.  Richly flavored, with intense ripe peach fruitiness on the palate.  Viscous, almost syrupy texture is nicely contrasted with perfect acidity.
Did you know?/Fun Facts: Haru is the fresh, "nouveau," unpasteurized version of Denshin Yuki ("Snow") Junmai Ginjo (available year-round), and the brewery recycles pieces of the label from one sake to create the other (check the photo!). Also, for what it's worth, Kastuyama, Fukui, where the brewery is located, is known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" since more fossils have been discovered there than any other area in Japan.  $45/720 ml bottle



Wakatake Onikoroshi “Demon Killer” Junmai Ginjo (Shizuoka)                          
Sweet, creamy, and floral aromas.  Quiet impact, soft and smooth, with fairly full mouthfeel.  Mild apple sweetness with crisp acidity and a dry, spicy finish. Drink it to slay your personal demons!  $42/720 ml bottle






Taiheizan Chogetsu “Clear Moon” Junmai Ginjo (Akita)                 
 New to Washington! Aromas of spring flowers, grapefruit, and mango. Soft, round, creamy mouthfeel. Hints of anise and tropical fruit are accented by the freshness of the long, flavorful finish. $40/720 ml bottle



Dewazakura Sarasara Ginjo Nama Nigori (Yamagata)           
The nama nigori (cloudy sake) version of the super popular Oka “Cherry Blossom” Ginjo from one of our favorite Tohoku producers.  We sold out of last year’s initial shipment so quickly, we haven’t had a chance to do our notes on it yet – what do YOU think?? Kanpai!  $38/720 ml bottle




Choryo “Omachi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Nara)                                      
Not exactly new to Washington, but kind of criminally under appreciated. Faint golden tint, with earthy, yeasty aromas. Soft and light, with a hint of butterscotch and toffee on the palate. Settled (aged for 30 months in the bottle), and rounds out nicely and is comforting when warm (room temp might be best). Fantastic “daily drinker” that we recently rediscovered – great value and “bang for your buck.”
$30/720 ml bottle

May 4

Greetings, Nomidachi!


We hope you're all doing well and keeping fine.

No gloom and doom in this edition, just good sake, all the time.

We're sticking with our revised schedule for RETAIL ONLY/Take Out/Curbside Pick-up service, so our hours remain:

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

This means we will be closed on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10. We know plenty of moms who could use a refreshing glass of something nice and a kind word and reminder of how much we appreciate all they do, and we think premium sake serves this purpose incredibly well.

Please remain safe and healthy, continue taking good care of one another and washing those hands, and let's keep on keeping on.

Arigatou & Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 


This Week's Featured Saké
We've still got access to some of this year's limited seasonal releases and we are absolutely thrilled to bring back some old favorites.


Masumi “Arabashiri” Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu (Nagano) Saké Nomi’s most popular limited seasonal release returns!  Fruity (melons and pears) and full-bodied, with a pleasantly crisp acidity.  In this year's version, the fruit is somewhat toned down, and the acidity and umami have been turned up. This nama (unpasteurized) genshu (undiluted saké) also packs a lovingly assertive punch at 17-18% alcohol.
$40/720 ml bottle (Special "end of season" reduced price!)


Taka “Noble Arrow” Tokubetsu Junmai Namazake (Yamaguchi)           
Limited seasonal release! Golden, slightly hazy coloring with vaguely citrus and mineral notes in the nose. Soft, pretty mouthfeel. Mildly sweet, but with tart, almost sour accents, as well. Nice acidity and a finish that kind of hangs around.  $50/720ml bottle


Tatenokawa 50 Nakadori Junmai Daiginjo (Yamagata)                                          
Sadly, soon to be discontinued! Full and soft, with a mellow golden tint and a fragrant bouquet of apple, quince, and cherry.  A unique combination of rich and dry flavors, with solid acidity. Gorgeous and substantial, and though the purity of the water is distinctly expressed, that pleasant acidity is what ties it all together. Saké Nomi’s second best-seller in 2019.  $45/720 ml bottle



Denshin Haru “Spring” Junmai Ginjo (Fukui)                                                            
Limited seasonal release! This nama (unpasteurized) genshu (undiluted) has a brilliant golden hue with a gorgeous floral and candied bouquet.  Richly flavored, with intense ripe peach fruitiness on the palate.  Viscous, almost syrupy texture is nicely contrasted with perfect acidity.  $45/720 ml bottle




Narutotai “Ginjo Shiboritate” Nama Genshu (Tokushima)
It’s baaaaack! Yeasty, sweet grain aromas.  Soft, full, gentle mouthfeel, with ripened fruit sweetness and slight minerality.  Lingering finish shows a touch of mint.  The “oil can” would be ideal at a barbecue, or with fatty sashimi.  The brewery was established in 1804.  $50/720 ml can



Tedorikawa Kinka “Gold Blossom” Daiginjo (Ishikawa)      Floral nose, with notes reminiscent of dates and raisins.  Mild spice, minerality, and cinnamon notes on the palate.  Subtly layered, soft and settled.  Deep, rich, mature, and mellow, especially for a namazake (unpasteurized saké).  From the brewery featured in the documentary, The Birth of Saké. 
$45/720 ml bottle (New, reduced price!)



Okunomatsu Ginjo (Fukushima)                                                  
Clean, layered, and balanced.  Reminiscent of fresh spring water.  Mildly fragrant grape and pear aromas. Fantastic cost performance/"bang for your buck."  Champion Sake of the International Wine Challenge 2018.
$32/720 ml bottle

 

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Contact
Email: info@sakenomi.us
Telephone: 206-682-1117
106 Cherry Street,
Seattle, WA 98104
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