Gabe's Coctail View

The first thing I’m looking at on this newly launched offshoot of Gabe’s View is Saké. Saké2me, a California based company imports junmai Saké from Japan and infuses it with natural flavors. Junmai Saké is a specific grade that utilizes only Saké rice and pure water. No additional alcohol is added.

The offerings from Saké2me are available in single serving (6.3 ounces) bottles. Each of them has a light sparkle and 7% alcohol. Prices vary but single bottles often sell for under $4 while 4 packs are available in the low to mid teens. There are currently four flavors available and I tasted each of them.

The Saké2me Yuzu has aromas of tangerine, clementine, lemon peel and a hint of candied orange. From the first sip onward the taste is very crisp and clean. This is a refreshing beverage. At the same time it’s mouthwatering and invites you back for more. The story here is the citrus which appears in abundance.

The Saké2me Asian Pear has strong aromas of candied pear. From the first sip and throughout orchard pear flavors with a touch of spice are the stars here. At some point a bit of creaminess comes out and adds an extra layer of richness that sets this one apart from the other 3 flavors for me.

The Saké2meGreen Tea is filled with tea aromatics, accompanied by a touch of mesquite honey. Dark tea flavors come out from the very first sip you take. Those tea flavors provide a drying quality in this flavor that sets it apart from the others. I also found the Green Tea flavor to be a bit mellower and milder.

The Saké2me Ginger Mango has aromatics that simply jump out of the glass. From the first sip the ginger spice really kicks in and plays an equal role with the Mango flavors. This one brings to mind summer and an island breeze. The Ginger Mango is the one I’d choose for beach or poolside sipping.

All four flavors from Saké2me have a clean crisp flavor profile as a commonality. Which flavor you choose is going to come down to your own personal taste buds. The Asian Pear impressed me the most and it’s the favor I could see myself drinking most often.

These will make for an interesting cocktail or a nice match for appetizers at a party. With most people’s New Years eve celebrations culminating with a sparkling wine toast, these four flavors of sparkling Saké would be a great way to get the party started. In addition to being flavorful and fun they’ll likely be a good conversation starter. Whenever or however you choose to drink them I highly recommend you do so in a champagne flute or standard wine glass as opposed to straight from the bottle or with a straw. Serving them in glassware allows the aromatics to come out.