December Bottle Share - Omu Nomu

21 Dec 2023

From the SakeCraft Times archive, first published 21 Dec 2023. Dates and plans mentioned are as they were then.

As the year draws to a close, the sake community held the final bottle share of 2023 and what an event it was, and it was a perfect punctuation to an already exciting year.

Deep within my bones, I feel there’s a sake tsunami approaching. Perhaps it’s cos I have my pulse closer to the ground now, or that Ive tasted more exciting sakes this year in Singapore than I ever have in any year. Or perhaps its cos the sake bottle share continues showcase tons of amazing sakes. Many of which I myself havent tried.

So yes, I continue to be excited about Sakes, especially in 2024, especially with the range of labels/distibutors increasing or current distributors bringing in more interesting sakes. An established distributor even recently brought in a (pink) doburoku! #iykyk . and It was heavenly

So on to the bottle share.

This edition of the bottle share was held on 16 Dec at Omu Nomu. Thank you @alexdrinkscraftsake for hosting this edition. We are always on a lookout for new places to host the gathering so if anyone would like to try pairing Sakes with their food, or even willing to host us at their homes/function rooms, we will come! 2024 will has 12 new sessions to schedule!

Some memorable sakes from the evening!

1) Kikusui Nama genshu in a can! What sorcery is this? And what an interesting sake that is easily accessible? Kikusui has been known to be one of the more traditional sakes which has been a staple for every day sake before all the more modern labels took all the attention. So finding this sake in a can, nama genshu no less was a real treat. Typical Niigata style, 19% ABV, but not thin with good umami flavours. And did I already mention its in a 200ml can perfect for on the go consumption?

2) Aramasa No 6 Dix And Noel , Nicolas Buffe - Thanks Danni-san for always bringing such exciting sakes. What a treat. Sparkling yet full of flavour and umami. This was such mind-blowing experience with the sensory and flavour explosion. And this was even after we had all tried probably 20 sakes that day. So just wow wow wow! I make

3) Nova Momo sparkling from Nova Brewing Co based in California - This was a great way to start the afternoon. Eddie had brought back the sake from his travels and the sparkling sake didnt disappoint with its gentle fruit flavours and refreshing notes.

4) And of course Aizu Masume Junmai Ginjo Haguromae27 from Fukushima , this sake was hand carried back by Danni-san from Sake Street in Japan. This was a real treat as there was that additional acidity and flavour that makes one want to sip more and roll the sake in the mouth to savour more. From Fukushima and using Gohyakumangoku rice with a 55% polishing, sake was delicate and flavourful and savoury. Definitely wanting to try more from the label. Rice used was from a specific JAS certified organic rice field only.

So Thank you everyone for participating in 2023’s sake experiences. So onwards to 2024. And theres much brewing in the sake space. New labels, new establishments, new experiences.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!