Nomidachi News Archive

February 2021



February 24

Hello Nomidachi!



We have to admit: the move has been a little hectic. It seems like we could have avoided re-opening the week of Seattle's annual snow festival, but it'll make for fond memories someday.

Still, we persist. It's been great to touch base and catch up with those of you who have had a chance to visit, and your enthusiastic feedback about our new saké den has been very heartening.

Today's short message is that no matter what happened to that overhyped rodent in Punxsutawney earlier this month, according to our sake-centric calendar, spring has nearly sprung, and a bucketful of unpasteurized and once-pasteurized limited seasonal releases are on their way -- one has already arrived. Our notes and pricing information are below.

(NOTE: We are also carrying more year-round namazake than ever before, too, and our cooler is chock full. When browsing the shop, remember the phrase that pays, "What's in the fridge?")

Please don't forget, you can now find us at:

Saké Nomi
106 Cherry Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-682-1117 (NEW NUMBER!)

Open: Tues.- Sat. @ Noon- 6:00 pm
CLOSED: Sunday- Monday

Please continue to take good care of one another, wash those hands, and keep drinking plenty of premium sake!

Thank you, and Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 

Limited Seasonal Release Namazake 
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that super fresh unpasteurized zing. We will be receiving very limited allocations of the sake mentioned below and anticipate selling out fairly quickly.

Pricing below does not reflect the 10%  "case" discount we offer on orders of 6 or more bottles, but rest assured the discount is in full effect.

Please contact us to reserve bottles, or to get any additional information about these seasonal sensations.


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 the finish.  The brewery, Sakai Shuzo, was established in 1871. 
$60/720 ml bottle
Availability: 1-2 weeks

 
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.
$45/720 ml bottle
Availability: 1-2 weeks
 




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. 
$40/720 ml bottle
Availability: 1-2 weeks
 
Kasumi Tsuru Shiboritate Yamahai Nama Chozo Futsushu (Hyogo)                
Extremely limited seasonal release, and one of the rare futsushu we offer. Light gold tending toward amber tint. Yeasty, bread-like aroma, with a soft, light mouthfeel. Mildly sweet in the beginning palate, ending in a drier, slightly boozy (@ 18% ABV) finish.  Traces of yamahai tanginess on the edges.
$38/720 ml bottle
Availability: In stock NOW
 

February 15

Hi There, Snowmidachi!


(See what we did there?)

Last Tuesday, February 9, we opened the doors and quietly, softly got underway before the inclement weather swept in and swept us under this past weekend. It was so very good and comforting and reassuring to see so many of your familiar faces during those first couple days. We've missed you!

We hope we're able to welcome more of you in and show you around our new digs in the coming days. In addition to the "seasonals" (available NOW) and the Izumibashi 3-Pack (available once again Friday, 2/19) we announced last week and below, we have some exciting new additions we'd like to introduce you to.

Please don't forget, you can now find us at:

Saké Nomi
106 Cherry Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-682-1117 (NEW NUMBER!)

Open: Tues.- Sat. @ Noon- 6:00 pm
CLOSED: Sunday- Monday

We hope you and yours fared well during the snow dump, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Take care, and Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 

Niwa no Uguisu Welcome Back 2-Pack 
Two new arrivals we are very excited about are the junmai ginjo and junmai daiginjo from Niwa no Uguisu "Nightingale in the Garden."

NIWA NO UGUISU JUNMAI DAIGINJO
Brewery: Yamaguchi Shuzojo (est. 1832)
Region: Fukuoka
SMV: +2
Type/Polish Ratio: Junmai Daiginjo/50%
Tasting Notes: Faint amber tint, with grape and pineapple notes in the nose. Juicy, acidic, mineral, with a soft textured, round mouthfeel. Classy umakuchi savoriness! Gold Award winner at 2018 US Sake Appraisal. Price: $45/720 ml bottle




NIWA NO UGUISU JUNMAI GINJO
Brewery: Yamaguchi Shuzojo (est. 1832)
Region: Fukuoka
SMV: +4
Type/Polish Ratio: Junmai Ginjo/60%
Tasting Notes: Pronounced gold color, with aromas of melon and mint. Nice, full mouthfeel with fresh acidic liveliness and pleasantly bracing tartness. Full-bodied umami! Silver Award winner at 2018 US Sake Appraisal. Price: $40/720 ml bottle

For a limited time, purchase both sake, and we'll gladly extend the "Welcome Back 2-Pack" special pricing of a 10% discount.


Saké Brewed by a "God?"
Noguchi Muroka Nama Genshu Honjozo
From legendary toji ("master brewer") Naohiko Noguchi, and brand new to Washington state, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of our first case of Noguchi Muroka Nama Genshu Honjozo this Friday, February 19.

What makes this sake so special? Well, Noguchi sensei has been brewing top quality sake for over 70 years and is one of a very few brewers considered to be a sake "god." He started brewing at the age of 16 and has come out of retirement twice, most recently to establish the Noguchi Naohiko Kenkyusho, his "sake institute" which opened in 2017.

You can read a little about the man and his mission here.

Through one of our local distributors, we have been able to secure an initial shipment of a case (just 12 bottles) of the brewery's Muroka Nama Genshu Honjozo, and the name gives you some clues of what you might expect:

muroka: non-charcoal filtered
nama: unpasteurized
genshu: undiluted (ABV 18%)
honjozo: addition of small amount of brewer's alcohol

According to the importer, it's "Dry, with a sharp finish. A scent of a fruit with a fresh sweetness like pear. After a sip, a fresh mouthfeel spreads, a rich flavor and sweet fragrance in your mouth follows. This sake has a perfect balance with the astonished clear fresh taste. Versatile flavor." We can't wait to crack a bottle!

Price: $80/720 ml bottle

Due to the scarcity of this one, we expect it to go quickly, so if you're interested in ordering a bottle, please let us know ASAP.



Official Saké Nomi Apparel
It's not just a tee shirt, it's a way of life!

We were hoping to have them on hand when we opened last week, but the harsh weather on the east coast caused some hiccups in the supply chain.

Be that as it may, we've got the Saké Nomi "logo tee" and 3/4 black sleeve "baseball tee" back in stock in a variety of sizes. 

We hope you will wear them with pride and remember: it's not considered dressing down if you're on Zoom.


Rare Limited Seasonal Releases
 We managed to carve out some more fridge space, and we're pleased to still be able to offer you a limited quantity of seasonal release unpasteurized and once pasteurized (hiyaoroshi) selections.

Denshin Fuyu “Winter” Shiboritate Nama Honjozo (Fukui)
Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and dried dates in the nose. Soft, smooth texture, and malty, mildly sweet, and a touch boozy at 17-18% ABV. An alcohol added honjozo, the brewery distills its own shochu from local rice, which is added to the main mash. 
$40/720 ml bottle

Urakasumi “Hiyaoroshi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Miyagi)                                  
Soft and lively, with deep, resonating umami.  The mild spice in the pleasantly lingering finish perfectly embodies and brings to mind a crisp, mellow autumnal afternoon.  $50/720ml bottle
(VERY limited: only 12 bottles available!)




Oyama “Hiyaoroshi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Yamagata)  
Faint golden tint, with peaches and suggestions of tropical fruit in the nose.  Soft and light, showing mild minerality and a citrusy nibble with an element of mint in the finish.  $50/720ml bottle 
(VERY limited: only 12 bottles available!)


Wakatake Oniotome “Sachi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Shizuoka)    Mineral, sea breeze aroma.  Light and dry, with cinnamon notes throughout.  Brewed by the makers of popular Onikoroshi (“Demon Killer”), oniotome is “Devil’s Daughter,” and the kanji used for the name Sachi means “dry.”  $45/720ml bottle
(VERY limited: only 12 bottles available!)



Welcome Back 3-Pack
Featuring new to Washington label, Izumibashi
(est. 1857, Kanagawa prefecture)

We've been desperately trying to get our hands on sake from Izumibashi for years, and during the past couple months we were privileged to take part in a couple online sessions with the brewer, serving only to intensify our unquenched desire.

As the importer explains, "Believing that good sake is made with good rice, Izumibashi is one of the few breweries in Japan that polish AND grow their own sake rice with their own hands. The name Izumibashi comes from the Izumi river which is used to irrigate their fields, and Hashi, their family name - together Izumibashi means 'Izumi Bridge.'"

At long last, it looks as though we will be able to add 3 of their esteemed brews to our "regular" lineup, and we'll have a case of each of the following sake on hand to help celebrate our (re-) opening.

As a "Happy Opening/Welcome to Washington" promotion, we are offering a 10% "3-pack" discount price if you pick up one of each.


Izumibashi Megumi Blue Label Junmai Ginjo
From the importer: "Carefully polishing away the outer layers of the famed Yamada Nishiki rice from Kanagawa prefecture, this Junmai Ginjo is made to be good for any time, any meal, and any temperature. The nose is gentle and floral, and it has a delicious and refreshing flavor that cleans the palate. " Price: $55/720 ml bottle


Izumibashi Aki Tombo Raku-Fumai
Junmai Ginjo
From the importer: "The aroma is comprised of juicy yellow apples, strawberry, mint, anise, and herbaceous notes. On the palate, this sake has a round, ample, and broad mouthfeel. The matured flavors are layered and persistent, rounding off the acidity." 
Price: $55/720 ml bottle


Izumibashi Kuro Tombo Kimoto Junmai
From the importer: "This special Kanagawa prefecture kimoto sake has a reserved and understated aroma, with light delicate flavors. It is delicious slightly warm, and perfect for enhancing rich flavors and cutting through oil."
Price: $60/720 ml bottle


Don't cha just LOVE the labels??!!
February 2

Hello, Nomidachi!



It's been a while since we've reached out via our newsletter, mainly because we wanted to make sure we had some very positive good news to share. Now, we do.



We are planning on "softly" opening the "new" Saké Nomi next week Tuesday, February 9. Finally!


(PLEASE NOTE: Once conditions allow, we'll plan on a more festive "grand opening.")

That's a little less than a week away, and we still have lots to do, but things should be in place for us to be able to resume selling Seattle's best selection of premium sake on 2/9.

(PLEASE NOTE: If something happens between now and then forcing us to postpone the opening a day or two, we will be sure to make announcements via another quick note, and also on Facebook and Instagram, so please stay tuned.)

Where will we be? The address and initial hours of operation are:

Saké Nomi
106 Cherry Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-372-3583 (for now)

Open: Tues.- Sat. @ Noon- 6:00 pm
CLOSED: Sunday- Monday

As was the case for most of the past year, we will begin doing in-store retail sales (patrons limited to 25% capacity) for off premises consumption only, with orders also available for in-store or curbside pick up. We will gradually incorporate sake by the glass and flight for on premises consumption in accordance with the current COVID related-restrictions, as well as online bottle sales for delivery.

So, now that the business-related announcements are out of the way, let's have some fun!  We plan on having all kinds of goodies available for you when we open, some of which are mentioned below and available to order now.

We absolutely can't wait to see you and welcome you (back) to Saké Nomi!

Thank you & Kanpai!
Johnnie & Taiko
 

Rare Limited Seasonal Releases
 We're kicking things off in the new digs by offering a limited quantity of seasonal release unpasteurized and once pasteurized (hiyaoroshi) selections.

Denshin Fuyu “Winter” Shiboritate Nama Honjozo (Fukui)
Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and dried dates in the nose. Soft, smooth texture, and malty, mildly sweet, and a touch boozy at 17-18% ABV. An alcohol added honjozo, the brewery distills its own shochu from local rice, which is added to the main mash. 
$40/720 ml bottle
 

Urakasumi “Hiyaoroshi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Miyagi)                                  
Soft and lively, with deep, resonating umami.  The mild spice in the pleasantly lingering finish perfectly embodies and brings to mind a crisp, mellow autumnal afternoon.  $50/720ml bottle
(VERY limited: only 12 bottles available!)




Oyama “Hiyaoroshi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Yamagata)  
Faint golden tint, with peaches and suggestions of tropical fruit in the nose.  Soft and light, showing mild minerality and a citrusy nibble with an element of mint in the finish.  $50/720ml bottle 
(VERY limited: only 12 bottles available!)


Wakatake Oniotome “Sachi” Tokubetsu Junmai (Shizuoka)    Mineral, sea breeze aroma.  Light and dry, with cinnamon notes throughout.  Brewed by the makers of popular Onikoroshi (“Demon Killer”), oniotome is “Devil’s Daughter,” and the kanji used for the name Sachi means “dry.”  $45/720ml bottle
(VERY limited: only 12 bottles available!)



Welcome Back 3-Pack
Featuring new to Washington label, Izumibashi
(est. 1857, Kanagawa prefecture)

We've been desperately trying to get our hands on sake from Izumibashi for years, and during the past couple months we were privileged to take part in a couple online sessions with the brewer, serving only to intensify our unquenched desire.

As the importer explains, "Believing that good sake is made with good rice, Izumibashi is one of the few breweries in Japan that polish AND grow their own sake rice with their own hands. The name Izumibashi comes from the Izumi river which is used to irrigate their fields, and Hashi, their family name - together Izumibashi means 'Izumi Bridge.'"

At long last, it looks as though we will be able to add 3 of their esteemed brews to our "regular" lineup, and we'll have a case of each of the following sake on hand to help celebrate our (re-) opening.

As a "Happy Opening/Welcome to Washington" promotion, we are offering a 10% "3-pack" discount price if you pick up one of each.


Izumibashi Megumi Blue Label Junmai Ginjo
From the importer: "Carefully polishing away the outer layers of the famed Yamada Nishiki rice from Kanagawa prefecture, this Junmai Ginjo is made to be good for any time, any meal, and any temperature. The nose is gentle and floral, and it has a delicious and refreshing flavor that cleans the palate. " Price: $55/720 ml bottle


Izumibashi Aki Tombo Raku-Fumai
Junmai Ginjo
From the importer: "The aroma is comprised of juicy yellow apples, strawberry, mint, anise, and herbaceous notes. On the palate, this sake has a round, ample, and broad mouthfeel. The matured flavors are layered and persistent, rounding off the acidity." 
Price: $55/720 ml bottle


Izumibashi Kuro Tombo Kimoto Junmai
From the importer: "This special Kanagawa prefecture kimoto sake has a reserved and understated aroma, with light delicate flavors. It is delicious slightly warm, and perfect for enhancing rich flavors and cutting through oil."
Price: $60/720 ml bottle


Don't cha just LOVE the labels??!!
Social Media

To stay "in the know" regarding our many sake-related events and special tastings held throughout the year, please become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, Instagram.

Hours
Tuesday-Thursday: 2pm - 8pm
Friday-Saturday: 2pm - 10pm
Please follow us @ website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Contact
Email: info@sakenomi.us
Telephone: 206-682-1117
106 Cherry Street,
Seattle, WA 98104
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