Desert Moon Citrus Prickly Pear Sake will launch in the next month.
Tsuki Sake, Utah’s first premium craft American sake, will soon be adding a new bottle to their product line: Desert Moon Citrus Prickly Pear Sake. The new sake should hit the stands at local bars and liquor stores in the next month, joining their current offerings, Super Moon Junmai Daiginjo (a clear premium sake with notes of banana, apple, pear, melon and white flower) and Harvest Moon White Peach Nigori.
Tsuki Sake (tsuki means moon in Japanese) was launched in 2020. Co-founder and Sake Sommelier Jillian Watanabe says: “The American sake industry is growing. We wanted to encapsulate our branding within the American sake industry and in honor of traditional Japanese sake.”
Sake is made through a process of brewing polished sake rice, combined with koji rice that has been inoculated with yellow koji, or Apergillus Oryzae, water and yeast. Watanabe explains that the more polished the rice, the more premium the final product will be. Tsuki Sake’s products are referred to as Daiginjo, or ultra premium, one of the most refined in the American market. The brewing process is similar to a beer, yet the final product has a similar alcohol content to wine (with lower acidity).
“The American sake industry is growing. We wanted to encapsulate our branding within the American sake industry and in honor of traditional Japanese sake.”
– Jillian watanabe, co-founder of tsuki sake and sake sommelier
Tsuki Sake products are designed to highlight the fusion of the American pioneering spirit and traditional Japanese techniques. For this reason, their products are sold not just in Japanese restaurants like Yama Sushi in Montage Deer Valley, Yuki Yama on Main Street and KITA Japanese Steakhouse and Mountain Grill in the Pendry Hotel, but also in less traditional spots such as the No Name Saloon and Old Town Cellars on historic Park City Main Street, and Post Office Place in Salt Lake City.
Watanabe says that adventurous pairings are encouraged. She recommends enjoying the Super Moon Junmai Daiginjo with oysters, a sushi rice and sashimi rice bowl, or even truffle fries. The Harvest Moon White Peach Nigori goes well with spicy rolls and charcuterie boards. And, of course, sushi rolls and sake go together perfectly.
Sake can be enjoyed at various temperatures, however Tsuki Sake products are suggested to be served chilled. Heating up the sake helps the flavors to bloom and can impart a very different experience. In a non-traditional twist, the Harvest Moon White Peach Nigori contains white peach puree, and so may require a gentle shake if contents have settled. Both flavors lend themselves to adventurous cocktails.
In addition to purchasing Tsuki Sake products at these restaurants and Utah state-sponsored liquor stores, bottles can be purchased online and even shipped out of state (fantastic for holiday gifts!). For more information on current and new offerings, subscribe to their email list and follow them on social media.
Watch for Tsuki Sake’s new Desert Moon Citrus Prickly Pear Sake coming soon!
