Takeda Sake Brewing Co. Ltd.

Katafune Daiginjo Junmai Ginjo Sake

9.4

Katafune “Tobin” Daiginjo
• Brewery: Takeda Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. (Joetsu City, Niigata, Japan)
• Classification: Daiginjo (the highest polishing class under Junmai/Daiginjo styles)
• Rice Polishing Ratio: 45% (meaning 55% of each grain was milled away)
• Alcohol: 16–17%
• SMV (Sake Meter Value): +2.0 (mildly dry)
• Acidity: 1.3 (on the low side for sake)

The term “Tobin” refers to tobin-kakoi, a premium bottling method. After fermentation, the sake is bag-pressed and allowed to drip under gravity into 18-liter glass bottles called tobin. Only the free-run “nakadori” fraction—considered the cleanest and most balanced—goes into the final blend. This was all part of our Sake Day 2025 experience. We only tasted 60ish sakes out of an estimated 450, so a small fraction of what was available. While I attempted to rinse the glass with water and stay hydrated it’s difficult to fairly rate in this environment and I use it solely as a time to try a wide variety and interact with the brands. This was one of the best and I’m saying that with it being at the end of the night so the bar went up. Very nice. — a month ago

Ira and Paul liked this

Ira Schwartz

@Norman if you do not mind me asking where was this held?

Norman

The one we went to was in San Francisco but I think they have versions of it (slightly different dates but around this time) in other areas.

Stieglbrauerei

Goldbrau Premium Lager

Dennis Hogenkamp

9.0

At Alpen Rose Vail, CO — 5 years ago

Buscado (Argentina)

Vivo o Muerto El Limite Las Pareditas Tempranillo Blend 2014

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Again, I did not take notes but remember liking this wine. It was full bodied with lush ripe dark fruit with edgy minerals and a well polished finish. Good but not as special as their El Cerro Gualtallary.

Jeff and his partner make a number of small production wines under a few different brand names. Vivo o Muerto are their ultra premium wines. They both worked at Catena Zapata for 15 years. They gained a lot of valuable experience but, yearned to make their own wines. They’ve found great sites and great fruit grower relationships. Their wines are beautifully elegant and polished with nothing that bites backs.

Photos of Co-owner Jeff Mausbach hosting our tasting and a couple shots of their cellar.

This was our last visit in Argentina. — 7 years ago

Shay, Hermes and 9 others liked this

Peggy Hadley

I would to try that blend. I love Melbac and Tempranillo.

Black Maple Hill Distilling Co.

Limited Edition Premium Small Batch Oregon Straight Bourbon Whiskey 95 Proof

Norman

9.3

I bought this years ago for my dad since its “made” in San Carlos. He told me he liked his Jack Daniel’s better… Given dad’s gone and mom doesn’t drink bourbon I’m drinking it now and enjoying it! It’s got some power, mainly on the front of tongue/lips. Finish goes for a while and the flavors are nice. Light wood and sweetness. Cheers Dad! Btw the price on this thing now (not at all what I paid) would have sent him through the roof. — 2 months ago

Dave, Tom and 4 others liked this

Poggio Anima

Asmodeus Terre Siciliane Nero d'Avola

Jennifer

9.5

From Jones & Co. premium cottage case. Enjoyed very much. — 4 years ago

Bedrock Wine Co.

Vineyard Under the Mountain Heritage Santa Clara County Red Blend 2017

Robert S.

9.3

Only received one bottle in my allocation. Kinda hate I didn't wait another couple of years to open. Drinking wonderfully now. Forty five minutes to an hour decant and get ready to really enjoy a premium zinfandel blend. — 6 years ago

Robert liked this

Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd.

Dae Jang Bu Premium Soju

Kyle Katterjohn

From Julius. Omakase — a year ago

Fiji Rum Co.

Bounty Overproof Premium Dark Rum

Boris Mathiszik

9.2

This is the rum the locals sip in Fiji. Very delicious. Clean and smooth. — 4 years ago

Daniel liked this

Finca Martha

Malbec 2019