The Joy of Sake

Sake swillers, here's your big chance to sample some premium sakes in peak condition, including 100 not available in the United States. ~THE JOY OF SAKE~ event returns to San Francisco, but this year it will be held at Moscone West. 299 sakes will be available for sampling, including many gold and silver award winners from the U.S. National Sake Appraisal held in Honolulu on July 25. (It's a rigorous blind tasting conducted in Honolulu every year under the guidance of the Japan National Research Institute of Brewing, which has run Japan's own national sake appraisals since1910.) Those attending are given a small glass as they enter, and then take samples from topped-up cups on the tasting tables using a mini-siphon that picks up just enough for a good taste. Moving around from table to table (there are five tables depending on the sake category), even light drinkers can easily try 30 or 40 different labels. Keeping them all separate and distinguished in your mind, however, is entirely up to you.

Sake appetizers, ranging in style from traditional Japanese to Asian fusion to California regional, will be served by 16 of the Bay Area's top restaurants (like Ozumo, Sushi Ran, and the Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton).

The Joy of Sake
Thursday, August 31

Moscone West
6pm-8:30pm

website

Tickets: $70

Visit the website to purchase tickets, or call 415-420-7744