Annual Joy of Sake promises bigger, better

With hundreds of sakes to taste, the annual Joy of Sake was already a draw.

Now with its change in venue — the event will be held in the spacious Pier 2 Cruise Terminal by the Aloha Tower Marketplace — it makes this the biggest sake tasting held outside of Japan.

Imagine that.

The event, held on Friday, will boast more than 300 premium sakes, along with appetizers from 13 of Honolulu’s finest restaurants. Some highlights include Thai-style oxtail soup from Chai’s Island Bistro, kampachi tartare with orange shallot jam from Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar, and panna cotta with fennel marmalade and coffee salt from Prima in Kailua. (See the full menu online.)

The annual program centers around main events in Honolulu, New York and Tokyo, showcasing the variety and craftsmanship of sake being produced today. (The New York event will be on Sept. 20 at the Altman Building; the Tokyo event is slated for Nov. 6 at the TOC Building.)

The Joy of Sake is a nonprofit organization focused on sake education.

Joy of Sake, 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, July 20, Pier 2 Cruise Terminal, $80 per person, www.joyofsake.com

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