From the beautiful, snowy region of Niigata where its rice and sake are said to be some of the best in Japan, to London’s very own Japan Centre – Europe’s largest Japanese food hall – here’s how the winter warming Sake and Ramen Night for the opening of The Niigata Fair 2023 opening went…
We extended an invite to foodies in our Influencers Network to join us for an exclusive sake tasting with expert sommeliers showcasing a selection of Japan’s very best sake from the Niigata Prefecture, famous for their wintery landscapes as the perfect grounds for producing high quality rice and sake.
Niigata Fair Sake Night at Japan Centre
From our count, the top three sake competitors were:
Hakuro HANABI / Hakuro Syuzo 300ml
Sparkling Junmai sake made with 100% rice, twice fermented in a bottle just like prosecco. This sake presents lovely natural bubbles that have acidity and umami, with a gentle sweetness melted in a fruity aroma. A new style of low alcohol sake madeby Gohyakumangoku. Best served chilled. Alcohol contents 8%.
Yukyu No Mori Long aged jukusei koshu 2011 / Yoshinokawa 720ml
The dapper note of aged sake rising gently and the soft touch to the palate feels relieved at the drink. An aged umami aroma is diffused on the palate and remains in the aftertaste for a while. Best enjoyed at room temperature or on the rocks, even enjoy hot as it sharpens the smoothness. It is a taste that goes perfectly with seasonal Japanese dishes. Best served ambient or medium hot. Alcohol contents 17%.
Koshiji No Koubai Junmai Daiginjo / Kubiki Shuzo 720ml
This Junmai Daiginjo sake is hand-brewed using Koshitanrei sake rice cultivated in-house, that has been polished to 40%. It has a gorgeous aroma and a soft, rich flavour of Umami. Cool to around 10°C and serve in a wine glass to enjoy the aroma. Best served well chilled. Alcohol Contents 16%.
Have you got a favourite? All 12 types of sake from Niigata’s famous sake region will be exclusively available at Japan Centre stores and online for the next two weeks, and are directly imported from Niigata Prefecture. CLICK HERE to discover more!
Photos: Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
And it wasn’t only sake on the menu warming us up! We sampled a variety of food from the Panton Yokocho menu, including sushi, crispy Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki (deep fried diced octopus balls), followed by a delicious bowl of Panton Yokocho’s famous ramens. And to finish, Mochi in mango and chocolate flavours.
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Where: Japan Centre / Panton Yokocho, 35 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4EA
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