The Joy Of Sake: Largest Sake Event Outside Japan In New York For First Time

America's fourth annual "Joy of Sake" caravan, featuring 147 sakes together with an array of traditional and contemporary appetizers, began in Honolulu on August 27, followed by San Francisco on September 9 and arrives in New York City on September 30 at the Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street. Over 2,500 sake enthusiasts from around the country are expected to attend the three events.

This is the largest sake tasting held outside of Japan, and a rare opportunity to sample outstanding labels in peak condition. The labels presented for sampling display the full spectrum of styles in the junmai, ginjo and daiginjo categories, and include 31 gold and 43 silver award winners from the 2004 U.S. National Sake Appraisal, which took place on August 25 in Honolulu. In addition, 60 sakes being served are not currently available outside Japan.

The New York tasting on September 30 will be the first time The Joy of Sake is presented on the East Coast and a stellar list of top New York City restaurants will participate, including Asiate, Bao 111, Bond St., Bouley, Geisha, Hasaki, Kai, Riingo, Sakagura, Sushi Samba, Tocqueville, Woo Lae Oak and wd~50. When paired with food, sake tends to play a supportive role, bringing out the subtle flavors of the cuisine. Possessing much less acidity than wines, sakes create complementary nuances, rather than the bold contrasts of flavor and texture frequently found in wine and food pairings.

The Joy of Sake was first held in Honolulu in 2001 following the first U.S. National Sake Appraisal, conducted under the guidance of the Japan National Research Institute of Brewing. In 2003 the event traveled to San Francisco, with over 600 sake enthusiasts attending.

Information on this year's Joy of Sake and a photo gallery from last year's events may be found at www.joyofsake.com. Tickets cost $75 ($85 at the door, if available) and may be ordered on-line (www.joyofsake.com) at or through the sake hotline number 1-888-799-7242.