News & Politics

Sake 101: There’s a Sake for Everyone

Which sake should Scotch fans or white-wine drinkers look for? Follow our handy chart to find out.

Photographs by Jeff Elkins

Click categories to expand.

Cocktails, and my favorite base spirit is . . .

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Vodka

Vodka Tonic: Aoki Kakurei Daiginjo, $58

Sweeter Vodka Cocktails: Aoki Kakurei Junmai Ginjo, $43

Vodka Martini: Kirinzan “Dragon Mt.” Junmai Daiginjo, $75

Gin

Gin Cocktails: Dewazakura Oka Ginjo, $31

Gin Martini: Dewazakura Izumi Judan Ginjo, $31

Neat spirits, and I usually order . . .

Scotch

Hatsumago Junmai Kimoto, $29

Rum

Hoyo Kura no Hana Junmai Daiginjo, $30

Tequila

Tomio Genshu Daiginjo Genshu, $49

Or if you’re feeling flush: Nizawa Zankyou Koshu Competition Brew, $920 in a store, $1,500 at Pabu in the Four Seasons Baltimore

Wine, and I prefer . . .

White

French Sauvignon Blanc: Jokigen Junmai Ginjo, $28

Riesling: Narutotai Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu, $40

Oaky Chardonnay: Wataribune Junmai Daiginjo, $115

Red

Oregon Pinot Noir: Harada Muroka Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu, $51

Minerally Red Burgundy: Kotsuzumi Rojo Hana Ari Junmai Daiginjo, $101

Earth-driven Italian Wines: Chikurin Organic Karayoka Junmai Ginjo, $39

California Zinfandel: Komotsuru Tokusei Junmai Daiginjo, $42

Sparkling

Okunomatsu Junmai Daiginjo sparkling, $18