Staff Favorites Saké
Soak in long summer days with rich Côtes du Rhône, light Picpoul de Pinet, or quintessential Provençal rose.
Dewazakura “Oka Cherry Bouquet” Ginjo $13.99
Dewazakura saké always delights me. This particular bottling is made in the Yamagata prefecture from Miyamanishiki, a type of rice specifically cultivated for saké production. The nose is a unique combo of subtle flower blossoms and earthy radish. The attack is clean and dry, but there is richness that develops on the palate. Acidity makes this a great food partner. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Denshin “Yuki” saké, Junmai Ginjo $29.96
Yuki means snow! The water used to make this saké comes from melted mountain snow filtered through the earth. This saké is pure, refreshing and clean. It’s dry and fragrant. I would pair it with fried fish or sashimi. Enjoy just lightly chilled. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Terada Honke, Shizen No Manma Junmai Kimoto Nama $29.96
Terada Honke, led by Masaru Terada, is on the cutting edge of natural saké production in Japan. He is also the 24th generation of his family to own the brewery. Lightly polished to 70%, the rice is slowly fermented in the Kimoto method then bottled unpasteurized, undiluted and unfiltered. A rich pineapple flavor gives way to the slightly creamy Kimoto texture. The perfect pairing for a weeknight dinner of steamed salmon. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Yamada Shoten “Everlasting Roots” Tokubetsu Junmai $28.96
I took a bottle of this to a dinner party with several saké skeptics. It was gone shortly after being opened, with requests for more throughout the meal. Luckily it comes in a 900mL bottle so it is perfect for sharing. This Tokubetsu Junmai has a fantastic creamy texture on the tongue. The taste is dry and earthy, with notes of dried tangerine peels and cloves. This saké is beautiful with a chill on it, and also opens up and offers a different drinking experience with some warmth. – Vince Grace, Assistant Buyer
Ama No To, “Heaven’s Door”, Namazake Tokubetsu Junmai $41.96
Here’s a saké for you natural wine lovers. Namazakes are unpasteurized so that each bottle can have its own character. You’ll find deep melon, cucumber, and nutty flavors in each sip. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant