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The prized selection from Whistler Wine & Spirits includes a spotlight on the art of sake blending that is behind the exquisite Tanaka 1789 X Chartier sake
Over the past decade, global appreciation for Japanese alcoholic beverages has increased significantly with imbibers now armed with a more discerning palate. They’ve also been seeking out a wider range of craft spirits such as whisky, gin and vodka, and discovering the joys of Japanese grape wine. Even when it comes to beer and sake, more are increasingly inclined towards unique, premium and artisanal options. Catering to these consumers, Whistler Wine & Spirits carries a comprehensive selection of quality Japanese alcoholic beverages, including the exclusive Tanaka 1789 X Chartier blended sakes.
Located in Miyagi, Japan, the Tanaka 1789 Sake Brewery has been producing hand-crafted sakes for more than two centuries, taking pride in using ancestral and natural methods, as well as the highest quality rice and water, to imbue their award-winning artisanal sakes a complex, rich and singular character. Riding on the mastery of these traditional techniques, Tanaka 1789 recently collaborated with master blender and aroma specialist François Chartier to revolutionise the sake-making scene by introducing the Tanaka 1789 X Chartier, a range of high-end sake blends.
The art of blending is employed in the making of many exquisite wines, champagne, whisky, sherry and even port, but seldom for sake. Working together to experiment with explore the possibilities with the sakes of Tanaka, the teams from Chartier and Tanaka were surprised to find that the method led to an enhanced experience of the selected Junmai sakes. Thus began this collaboration of craftsmanship, where Chartier worked alongside Tanaka’s Toji, or master brewer, to develop six new base sakes for blending.
Chartier’s innovative blending process involves multiplying, augmenting, and magnifying the aromatic synergy between the different sakes to develop a range of blends that are different in texture, flavour, colour and aroma.
