Sake Showcase: Feb 8, 2024
This discussion and virtual sake tasting event dives into the essence of the sake industry in the US, providing insights into its unique characteristics compared to traditional Japanese sake.
Date: Feb 8, 2024
Time: 2pm HT / 4pm PT / 5pm MT / 6pm CT/ 7pm ET
Registration: $5 USJETAA members, $10 General Public
Become a USJETAA member today!
Zoom link & sake tasting details provided upon registration
Discover the distinct flavors, brewing techniques, and cultural influences that shape North American sake.
Weston Konishi, President of Sake Brewers Association of North America, will bring us behind the scenes of this evolving industry. Following the discussion, sip and learn about some sake firsthand in a tailored sake tasting session, led by JET alum sake experts Greg Beck (Hiroshima, 2006-2011) and Justin Urso (Tokushima, 2006-2007).
The sake tasting will be the last portion of the event and is optional. You are welcome to join us with or without sake- no judgements! We will be tasting the following three sake:
Brewer: Brooklyn Kura: No. 14 (Junmai Ginjo)
Brewer: SakeOne: Moonstone Asian Pear (Flavored)
Brewer: Asahi Brewing Company Dassai: Dassai 45 (Junmai Daiginjo)
Don't miss this virtual experience that educates, celebrates, and indulges in the fascinating world of sake with our three amazing panelists (see below).
Where Can I Buy Sake in the US?
If you have a local sake shop or restaurant, we recommend starting there. Many shops will have knowledgeable staff to help guide you through sake selection and can recommend similar sake if they don’t have what you are looking for in stock.
But of course, there are many online sake vendors as well. These vendors will likely have extra shipping charges and timeframes, so be sure to plan accordingly so your sake arrives on time for the event.
Online Sake Vendors:
Tippsy , Zachys , SakeOne , Sake Social, and True Sake (ships to all but the following states: AL, KY, MS, NH, ND, SD, UT, VT & PR).
About the Showcase Sake Selections:
Brooklyn Kura- No 14 (Junmai Ginjo):
Taste Profile: Rich & Dry
Alcohol: 15%
SakeOne- Moonstone Asian Pear (Flavored):
Taste Profile: Rich & Sweet
Alcohol: 12%
Asahi Brewing Company- Dassai 45 (Junmai Daiginjo):
Taste Profile: Rich & Dry
Alcohol: 15%
Can’t find those sake?
That’s ok! Feel free to purchase any three sake of your choice. If you can, try to find a mix of North American brewed sake and Japanese brewed sake for a fun compare and contrast.
-Our Panelists for Sake Showcase-
Greg Beck (Hiroshima, 2006-2011) is a certified Sake Sommelier and founder and owner of Sake Secret, L.A. County's one and only Sake Specialty Shop. Before that, Greg was an ALT on the JET Program for the Kure, Hiroshima BoE from 2006-2008, and a CIR and PA for Hiroshima Prefecture until 2011. After that he worked as a journalist for Japanese TV Network TBS and a craft beer brewer in Los Angeles.
Justin Urso (Tokushima, 2006-2007) is the owner of Big Box Karaoke, a popular eater-tainment concept in Fayetteville, Arkansas that also promotes sake! Justin has been the Director of the McMillon Innovation Studio at the University of Arkansas since 2021 and has advised the university's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation since 2014. Before academia, he was a serial entrepreneur, founding a variety of ventures including Concord Adams, a marketing agency serving over 50 clients, primarily small businesses.
Weston Konishi is President of Sake Brewers Association of North America and has over 20 years experience in various US-Japan related areas. His appreciation for sake evolved during his eight years living in Tokyo, Japan as a graduate student and researcher. In 2014, he completed the Sake Professional Course with John Gauntner (also a JET alum!). He has subsequently written about sake and the challenges and opportunities for the industry in the United States. You can learn more about various sake-related events and the association at their website.
