Rai is a boy’s name that’s pronounced RYE-ee. It is of Japanese origin, and the meaning of Rai is “trust the lightning and thunder”. I keep a lot of things in my life short and sweet and the word “RAI” for this sake works more for me. The producers at the monolith Ozeki headquarters based in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, make this sake. If you love Kobe beef, here’s your sign! ..as this is where the melt-in-your-mouth animal is known for. I compare them to The Godzilla of Sake brewers that have stampede their way into other countries outside Japan, mainly California.
Japanese roots with the “California Dreamin” mentality have made them a global celebrity name. They have made a home in sunny Hollister Cali, with a tourism-bound mentality. But make no mistake, this town isn’t your idea of Abercrombie & Fitch of the burden down labels of T-shirts from the ’90s. Ozeki USA sounds as iconic as Godzilla the superstar!
It is not all that easy for connoisseurs and Newby drinkers to understand what it is they are drinking. It’s still foreign even to veteran Sake enthusiasts. What makes Ozeki Corp. so prolific is their strategic marketing prowess to make their Sake approachable in ANY style. If you look up the Magnet on the web, you will find a history written by my Sake mentor and highly respected Sake Expert of over 40 years, John Gauntner! If there is anyone to Make an opinion or even give genuine historical facts is, John Gauntner…I just love this man!
John Gauntner, Ozeki Corp., and the subject SakE Rai are as full-bodied as they come. All three are full of Octane notes and history. Rai importers into the USA are just as huge, JFC.
Ozeki Rai Junmai Sake has a smooth taste on the palate followed by a bodacious and delicate aroma at the same time, it’s like yin and yang. In addition, the Ozeki Rai Sake is still produced in tradition since the 1800s. Furthermore, the resulting sake has pleasant shitake earth that is neither too bold but yet vanilla creme brulee and subtle hints of caramel.
Because of John Gaunter, he tamed down the commercialization of this company and made you want to buy this sake. It’s a Sake for all palates, with the history behind the one who endorses it…
Hope you enjoyed my sake article, please comment below Love your feedback.
Thank you and remember Taste Small Live Big!
Follow me on Instagram @allaboutsake
