Turning Japanese: Sake-Tasting Event and The Daiwa Foundation Art Prize 2011
My friend Cristina, Pach, and I had a chance to attend a sake-tasting event at the Japanese embassy last Thursday and had fun drinking 14 of the award-winning sake (from the International Wine Challenge). Despite our sake newbies, our favourite turned out to be the IWC Trophy Champion for 2011 (Nabeshima Daiginjo, 2010). The judges of the International Wine Challenge describe it as "Soft with a sweet, fruity aroma. On the palate, the flavours are dry, earthy and nutty with hints of fresh stone fruits. The finish is long with warming alcohol and lift."
Our palate needed some re-education on everything about sake. I've always thought sake should be served warm but we learned a special tidbit from a Japanese girl who told us that warm sake is a sign of low quality.
For more professional sake advice, our blogger friend slash sake sommelier Natsuki Pimienta Kikuya wrote a more in-depth post on her blog. She is organising a sake charity event to support the Japan earthquake victims on Sept 20 at the Japanese embassy. RSVP to kanpailondon@gmail.com.
![](/blog/turning-japanese-sake-tasting-event-and-the-daiwa-foundation-art-prize-2011/images/Nabeshima_Daiginjo_hkc2hd.jpg "Fukuchiyo Shuzo. Table Mr Iimori, champion Sake producer this year with his "Nabeshima Daiginjo, 2010. © Photo by Natsuki Pimienta Kikuya")
Beyond the sushi and the sake wooziness, I stumbled upon a brochure from the Daiwa Foundation announcing its Foundation Art Prize which is open to all British artists who previously haven't had any solo exhibition in Japan. The winning artist will receive a participation fee of 5000 pounds, travel and accommodation costs for a 7 day period in Japan plus assistance with introductions with key individuals in Japanese contemporary art. Open to all artists working in any medium. For more information check the Daiwa Foundation website.
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