TOSA SAKE WEEK in JUNE
In the Shikoku region of Japan lies Kochi Prefecture, also known as Tosa, where a rich sake-drinking culture has taken root. Historically, sake has had a deep presence in this area, with a wide variety of sake still being produced today. Many of Tosa's sakes are known for their light and dry characteristics, making them a perfect accompaniment to the local delicacy, Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito). However, there is a growing interest in fruity sakes, which offer a contrasting taste profile compared to conventional brands from Tosa. These fruity sakes are gaining popularity among younger generations and those who are less familiar with sake.
Kochi is actively engaged in research and development of kobo yeast, and the Kochi Prefectural Industrial Technology Center has introduced numerous unique strains of kobo yeast, including CEL 24. The significance of Tosa sake lies in its extensive range of flavors, derived from a diverse array of aromas and tastes. Additionally, the prefecture has successfully cultivated its own sake rice varieties, such as Tosanishiki, Gin no Yume, and Kazenaruko.
Tosa Sake from Kochi Prefecture
TOSA SAKE WEEK in JUNE
Nine breweries from Kochi Prefecture will participate in four sake events held in New York during the third week of June. This is a great opportunity to discover new sake from the Tosa region.
Schedule
Bar Convent Brooklyn
Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14 from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Industry City – 220 36th Street, Building #8, Brooklyn
The first among this series of Tosa Sake events will be Bar Convent Brooklyn, a B2B gathering that brings together influential figures in the bar industry. Kochi Prefecture will introduce Tosa sake to bar industry professionals, as well as distributors and importers.
Tosa Sake Seminar by Haruhiko Uehigashi
Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m. (Approximately 1 hour)
WakuWaku Outdoor Dining Area in Industry City Courtyard –269 36th Street (between Buildings #3 & #4), Brooklyn
Haruhiko Uehigashi, an expert in kobo yeast, is credited with developing Kochi kobo and has served as an advisor in numerous sake competitions both in Japan and abroad. On June 13 and 14, he will conduct a Tosa Sake seminar at WakuWaku's patio dining area. The seminar is free of charge and will begin at 2:30 p.m. on each day. During the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to Uehigashi's lecture while sampling six pre-selected sake brands. If you are interested in participating, please make a reservation by sending an email to nori@agentnplus.nyc.
About Haruhiko Uehigashi
Haruhiko Uehigashi, a former researcher at the Kochi Prefectural Industry Technology Center and technical advisor to the Kochi Brewery Association, is a recognized expert in yeast development. He has contributed to the creation of numerous Kochi yeast strains and serves as an advisor in both national and international sake competitions. Some notable roles he has undertaken include:
Sake Competition Jury and Analytical Evaluator from 2012 to 2019 and 2023.
U.S. National Sake Appraisal Jury and Analytical Evaluator from 2015 to 2019, in 2021, and 2022.
Preliminary and final judge in the National New Sake Competition.
During all the Tosa Sake Week events, Uehigashi will be in attendance, presenting an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage in conversation with him at the Kochi booth.
The Joy of Sake
Friday, June 16 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Pavilion – 125 W. 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
Kochi Prefecture will participate in the Joy of Sake, the largest public sake-tasting event outside of Japan. To purchase tickets, please visit the Joy of Sake’s website.
Store Tasting Event at Kuraichi
Saturday, June 17 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Kuraichi – 267 36th Street, Brooklyn
Taste Tosa sake at Kuraichi, sake specialty store in Japan Village. Kuraichi boasts the largest Japanese liquor collection in New York City, carrying sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskies.
Scheduled Participating Breweries
Suigei Brewery
Tsukasabotan Brewery
Tosa Kikusui Brewery
Tosatsuru Brewery
BIJOFU (Hamakawa Shoten Brewery)
Kameizumi Brewery
Fumimoto Brewery
Arimitsu Sake Brewery
Takagi Brewery
Participating breweries differ depending on the event.
This event listing is an advertisement paid for by Tosa Sake from Kochi Prefecture Japan. For more information about Tosa Sake and the scheduled participating breweries, please click HERE.