Saké Tasting Event Celebrates Diverse Brewing Traditions, Japan–Texas Sister Cities
HOUSTON, June 20, 2024 — On the final day of its Asian Pacific American Heritage Month festivities, Asia Society Texas presented a unique tasting experience featuring 12 Japanese sakés and three small-batch beers. Curated in collaboration with the U.S.–Japan Council, Genji Saké, and Mutual Trading, the event offered a rare opportunity for guests to explore Japan's rich and diverse brewing traditions.
Help Us Build a More Inclusive World
The program, which opened with a kanpai by Japanese Consul General Zentaro Naganuma, included a presentation on the ingredients and brewing processes for different kinds of saké. Guided by industry experts, attendees then sampled different saké and beer varieties while also enjoying light bites, desserts, and cultural activities such as origami.
Throughout the event, the deep-rooted diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties between Japan and the U.S. were highlighted. Featured sakés were curated to match with the 10 Texas cities that have sister cities in Japan, represented by eight Japanese prefectures including Chiba, Kumamoto, Miyagi, Niigata, Kanagawa, Gunma, Hyogo, and Iwate.
Special support for the event was provided by Sushic Catering, Cole Chemical, the Yasuhiko and Akemi Saitoh Foundation, the Annoura Realty Group, Steve Sakanashi, and Tokyo Story.
Featured saké
Kinoene Ripe Apple Junmai Ginjo
Kinoene Akiagari Junmai Ginjo
Akazake Mirin
Michinoku Onikoroshi Honjozo
Funaguchi Kikusui Sparkling
Nama-Genshu
Hakkaisan Junmai Daiginjo 45
Kubota Senjyu Junmai Ginjo
IzumibashI Kuro Tombo Kimoto-Junmai
Akagisan Sparkling Junmai
Ryujin Bull Rider Junmai Daiginjo
Kikumasamune Junmai Taru Sake
Nanbu Bijin Shinpaku Junmai Daiginjo
Featured beer
Premium Red Ale Echigo Beer
Lucky Dragon Pale Ale
Kyoto Matcha IPA
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
