Experience this unique master class hosted by one of the nation's leading sake educators, Michael J. Simkin.
Instructor: Michael J. Simkin
Join us on May 20th and 21st for a unique and terroir-driven deep dive into the emergence of exceptional Uka Sake.
The project is something we are thrilled to share at Tria, as the brand started with founder Keisaburo Koda, who emigrated to the United States from Fukushima, Japan in the 1910s. He established a rice farm and mill in the San Joaquin Valley where his family has grown rice for more than 90 years. His mission, to deliver the highest quality rice to his customers has evolved rapidly over time, and it seemed only natural to complete the circle and rekindle the bonds with Keisaburo's place of origin in Japan.
Collabration with Ninki Shuzō, the widely acclaimed brewery in the world-renowned sake region of Nihonmatsu, Fukushima, resulted in the idea of transforming Koda Farms'® organic rice into Uka Sake.
During the class, we will explore Uka's three distinctive cuveés as led by Michael J. Simkin, Uka's Director of Sales, who is also a certified Level III sake educator for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), an organization for whom he was instrumental in adding saké to the curriculum at the behest of the Niigata Sake Brewers’ Association and Niigata Prefectural Government.
Michael's gregarious personality and engaging charisma have landed him on stage at numerous Japan Society locations across the US, a National Geographic conference in the nation’s capital, an American Museum of National History program, and as a frequent anchor speaker for the Society of Wine Educators.
His vast network of wine and spirit industry professionals and his keenly honed knowledge of the journey from the rice paddy to the world’s finest tables distinguishes Michael as a highly prized sake industry expert, and a perfect guest to share with the Tria family.
Custom oyster pairings will be coordinated by Tria's Wine Director, Lauren Harris; with additional commentary by guest instructor – Amber Janelle Brown, from VOS Selections!
Details
Classes are held at Tria Wash West, 12th & Spruce
Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21
6:30 - 8:00pm (come early to enjoy Happier Hour)
$75 per guest
Class size is limited, so reserve now!