One characteristic all prize-winning sakes possesses is "balance." For most sake judges, balance is more important than either taste or aroma. But what exactly is it that is in balance? And how can we tell if a sake is balanced or unbalanced?

We'll try 37 well-balanced junmai, ginjo and daiginjo labels, and for comparison a few that failed to achieve overall harmony. The tasting takes an hour and is followed by sake appetizers and congenial sake-sipping until 8:00 p.m.

Greetings Sake Fans!

This year's Aftertaste season kicks off on November 10 at Ozumo's new location in Oakland. It's the East Bay's first Aftertaste event, and we hope you will be able to attend.

Each session beins with a 10-minute talk, followed by a 40-minute tasting—and then appetizers, sake-sipping and conviviality for the final hour. This format provides a great way to learn about sake through actual samplings of labels from all over Japan.

Reservations may be made online through the following link: Aftertaste Online Ticket Store or call Pua at 808-222-5591. All sales are final and attendance is limited to 60 persons.