Super Kudoki Jozu

Kudoki Jozu from Yamagata must be one of the most talked about nihonshu for two things: its consistently superb sake–and for its name, The Pick Up Artist.

Beau from True Sake shared his experience at Kamenoi Shuzo in depth in his November 2007 Newsletter and discussed the name:

“I have purposely waited to speak about the “brand” called Kudoki Jozu. Why? Because the translated name is outstanding and very intentional. I had a 30-minute discussion about the origins and intent of this name and I am still a bit unclear. There are two ways to name this brew, as I understood it. One had to do with impeccable loyalty! The second had to do with a term that we all know and love – The Pick Up Artist – as in the smooth guy that makes good with the ladies. Both mean a lot. … I asked quite frankly “Do you mean that you make sake that chicks like?” and Shunji laughed and said no, rather we make sakes that captivate.”

I was at the Kudoki Jozu tasting at Ichibe in Ogikubo on Thursday. The place was just packed with over a hundred people turned out.

All I can say is both Kudoki Jozu and Super Kudoki Jozu ***Preview–Soon to be released*** were so captivating, and totally true to the name. The first sip of Kudoki Jozu Dewa Sansan 33 Junmai Daiginjo was honeydew followed by an elegant explosion of umami, then finishing clean. The last sip with Super Kudoki Jozu put everyone over the top and I was totally kudokareta by this sleek, black bottle.