For the 8th IRA Sake On-nomi, we will be doing a sake talk on Japanese Sake Geographic Indication. A geographical indication (GI) refers to an identifier for a product as originating from a particular territory which has given the product its special quality or reputation. A great example is Champagne.

Japan currently has 6 different GIs for Sake. The first of course is the GI for Japanese Sake itself, which must be made in Japan with Japanese raw ingredients. The other 5 GIs in order of registration are, GI Hakusan, GI Yamagata, GI Nadagogo, GI Harima and GI Mie. These 5 areas are conveniently marked out on the feature image. GI Hakusan is quite a small area. We will talk abit about the different characteristics of each area.

This Sake GI selection set will include 5 x 80ml of sample sakes. This will be fulfilled and delivered on the late afternoon of Wednesday, 22 July 2020.

The event will start at 8pm. The room will launch at 7:45pm for networking. To join, please purchase our Tasting Set, or Full Bottle Set

We will now private message participants the Zoom Room and Password after you order your tasting set. Meeting details will also be included in the tasting sets together with the Sake Details and Tasting notes.

The individual bottles will be available at a discounted rate till one week after the date of tasting.

1. GI HAKUSAN - Kikuhime Junmai Yamahai "Tsuru no Sato"
   Full, tart, herbal and wild as it gets. While it is balanced and very well crafted, it is a big sake. Eschewing fruit for pine and other forest-like greenery touches, one glass and you will know the nature of yamahai sake.
2. GI YAMAGATA - Toko Junmai Daiginjo Yamadanishiki
   Juicy aroma of melon, pear, cotton candy. Hints of pineapple and peaches, well-balanced with just enough sweetness and a light beautiful texture, finishes complex and dry. Green apple acidity and good umami.
3. GI NADAGOGO - Nihonsakari Junmai Ginjo "Souhana"
   A favourite of the Imperial Family, only made available to the public in 1970. This was used for the coronation of 4 Emperors. Souhana is one of the most versatile sake, fresh crisp and gentle when chilled, and deep, matured and settled flavours with a velvety texture when warmed.
4. GI HARIMA - Nadagiku Junmai Daiginjo "Kiku no Shizuku"
   A quintessential Junmai Daiginjo; distinctly aromatic with fresh fruits such as melon and pears and soft ground water. Smoothly textured, with considerable depth and width on the palate. Probably the most affordable Shizuku sake.
5. GI MIE - Miyanoyuki Junmai Ginjo
   Fresh Pear like fragrance which is slowly fermented at low temperature. This is mildly fry with a hint of sweetness and rich in rice flavours.