Free - Open house tasting!
Sake Tasting!When: Tongiht!! - Friday, October 24th from 4–6 PM
Where: The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton MO 63105
Join us on Friday, October 24th from 4–6 PM for a special Sake Tasting Experience with Warren Rapp celebrating the craftsmanship and elegance of Japan’s iconic rice wine. Taste a selection of premium and artisanal sakes each showcasing the diverse nature of Sake. Whether you’re new to sake or a longtime enthusiast, this is the perfect chance to discover new favorites.
Scheduled to taste:
- Bushido Way of the Warrior
- Konteki Tears of Dawn
- Rihaku Dreamy Clouds
- Fukucho Sparkling
- Divine Droplets
Available online to order
More info on the Sake!
Bushido: Way of the Warrior Sake...$26.99 / 5pk 180ml cans
GRADE: Ginjo Genshu
Bushido means "the way of the warrior", a code of honor followed by the Japanese samurai. Today we bring you Bushido sake representing the premiumization of canned sake.
Samurai were a people of action and integrity. We brew our sake with that same spirit, and put it in a can.
Bushido is a premium, ginjo genshu sake from Kyoto, Japan. It's smooth, crisp, and packs a punch with notes of tart raspberry and watermelon rind. Perfect for on the go, or really just any time.
Rihaku Nigori Sake Dreamy Clouds....$14.99 / 300ml
Rihaku Nigori Sake Dreamy Clouds....$34.99 / 720mlGRADE: Tokubetsu Junmai NigoriDreamy Clouds is quite special because its milling rate of 41% technically qualifies it as Junmai Ginjo grade - a rare quality level for a nigori (cloudy) sake. It presents an opportunity to move Nigori drinkers forward to new styles of sake.
GRADE: Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori ***
*** Nigori is “cloudy” or “milky” sake. It is a brew that has some of the original rice solids from fermentation incorporated into the liquid. Cloudy sake that generally has a more full body and pairs well with strong flavors of spice and sweetness. There are varying levels of cloudiness and body, but generally nigori pairs well with spicy food and strong flavors as well as desserts.
Konteki Tears of Dawn Sake...$19.99 / 300ml
Konteki Tears of Dawn Sake...$37.99 / 720ml
GRADE: DaiginjoBrewed in the same way with the same ingredients as Pearls of Simplicity but with a touch of distilled alcohol to open up aromatics and lighten the overall impact. Konteki means “dew drops of the earth” while Higashiyama (the brewery name) translates to “eastern hill.“ Brewery workers have been known to start their days watching the sun rise over the mountains until the dew drops glisten as if they were the Tears of Dawn.
Fukucho Seaside Junmai Sparkling Sake...$29.99 / 500mlGRADE: Junmai
Sparkling sake made through secondary fermentation in bottle. Toji Miho Imada uses a little white koji in this sake, resulting in citrus notes and refreshing finish.
Toko Divine Droplets Ginga Shizuku Junmai Daiginjo Sake....$74.99 / 720ml
GRADE: Junmai Daiginjo
Flawless yet incredibly persistent. The purity of the region of Yamagata shines in this sake, with the crispness of their pristine water, the grassy, spicy quality of dewasansan rice, and the opulent textures derived from shizuku free run finishing.
Sake terms:
1. Ginjo Genshu
Ginjo means the rice has been polished to at least 60% or less of its original size, and the sake is brewed slowly at cool temperatures with special yeast for aromatic complexity.
Genshu means undiluted, so the sake isn’t watered down after fermentation — usually 17–20% ABV instead of the typical 15%.
Profile: Bright, fruity (pear, apple, melon), slightly floral, with bold flavor intensity and a fuller body due to the higher alcohol. Often served chilled.
2. Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori
Tokubetsu Junmai translates to “special pure rice,” indicating no added alcohol and either a special rice variety or extra polishing (usually to 60–65%).
Nigori means “cloudy,” as the sake is coarsely filtered to leave rice particles suspended.
Profile: Creamy, lightly sweet, and textural, with notes of coconut, banana, or steamed rice. “Tokubetsu” versions are often more refined and balanced than standard Nigori.
3. Daiginjo
The highest polishing standard for non-Junmai sake: rice is polished to at least 50% or less of its original grain.
A small amount of distilled alcohol is added to enhance aroma and mouthfeel.
Profile: Very refined, fragrant (melon, lychee, jasmine), and silky-smooth with delicate structure. Typically light and elegant, best enjoyed chilled.
4. Junmai
Pure rice sake — only rice, water, yeast, and koji are used; no added alcohol.
No legal polishing requirement (though often 70% or less).
Profile: Earthier, fuller, and more savory, with rice-driven flavors — think toasted grain, umami, and a round mouthfeel. Often served slightly warm or at room temp to highlight depth.
5. Junmai Daiginjo
Combines the purity of Junmai with the high polishing of Daiginjo — rice milled to 50% or less.
Profile: Elegant and aromatic, showing precise craftsmanship. Expect refined fruit and floral aromas with a clean, balanced finish and subtle umami. Typically the most luxurious style, served well-chilled.
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