Join Portland Japanese Garden to connect with the culture of Japan through the nation’s signature beverage: sake!  This exciting and exclusive afternoon tasting will feature products from Joto Sake, our official sake partner. Founded in 2005, Joto is one of the leading artisanal portfolios of its kind in the U.S. They represent ten multi-generational, family-owned jizake (local) breweries located throughout Japan.

Held in part to celebrate World Sake Day (October 1), Joto will present six special sake offerings. Ryan Mellinger, General Manager for Joto Sake at Kobrand Corporation, will walk guests through the structure, history, and brewing process of a variety of sakes that are deeply connected to Japanese culture.

Sake is a drink that pairs well with virtually any food. To that end, each guest will receive a mini charcuterie board of small bites, including cheese, cured meat, nuts, and dessert*, prepared by Elephant’s Delicatessen. You will have the opportunity to mix and match different pairings with each sake that is offered, so you can take what you learned and experiment with your own sake and food pairings at home!

Sake that will be presented:

• Eiko Fuji Honkara (Eiko Fuji Brewery, Yamagata Prefecture)
• Fuku Chitose Yamahai Junmai (Tajima Brewery, Fukui Prefecture)
• Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo (Huchu Homare Brewery, Ibaraki Prefecture)
• Shichi Hon Yari Ginfubuki Junmai Ginjo (Tomita Brewery, Shiga Prefecture)
• Maboroshi Junmai Daiginjo (Nakao Brewery, Hiroshima Prefecture)
• Yuki No Bosha Junmai Daiginjo (Saiya Brewery, Akita Prefecture)

*Vegetarian option available on request

About the Speaker:

Ryan Mellinger is the General Manager for Joto Sake at Kobrand Corporation. Born and raised in New York City, Mellinger got her start working in the culinary industry at some of New York’s most beloved kitchens. Through this experience, she learned of the unique history and complexities of Japanese sake and went on to work for lead artisanal sake importer Joto Sake in 2015. Nine years later, Mellinger has grown into her role and now oversees the National Sake Sales Team and manages a diverse and extensive craft sake portfolio. An expert on the beauty of sake and its versatility for any occasion, cuisine, or venue, Mellinger is certified in WSET L3 Sake and is a certified Sake Scholar.

About Joto Sake:

Joto Sake, the official sake partner of Portland Japanese Garden, has a mission to serve as a bridge between Japanese artisanal sake and the American market. Japanese for “highest level,” Joto describes the makers of their sake and their aspirations as their importer. They are the exclusive importer for multi-generational, family-owned breweries whom they identify and approach after trying their sake in Japan and reading about their brands in Japanese food and beverage publications. Joto’s jizake breweries are located throughout Japan, producing sake in small batches with locally-raised indigenous rice varieties, offering flavors and styles ideal for a range of cuisines. Offering a unique journey into the heart of the world of sake, Joto’s bottles feature English-language labels with producer names, locations and helpful tasting notes.

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