In this engaging discussion, Ryan Mellinger, the General Manager of Joto Sake at Kobrand, shares his journey from food culture enthusiast to sake expert. He breaks down the complex three-tier system of alcohol distribution in the U.S., revealing how delicious sake travels from Japan to local shelves. The conversation also highlights the revival of Chikurin Fukamari, a unique Junmai sake, showcasing the artistry behind its brewing process. Ryan’s insights encourage listeners to embrace the diverse flavors and stories behind this fascinating beverage.
Ryan Mellinger details the complexities of the three-tier alcohol distribution system in the U.S., affecting sake accessibility.
Joto Sake's unique blending method of fresh and aged sake enhances flavor depth, showcasing their dedication to quality brewing practices.
Deep dives
Ryan Mellinger's Journey into Sake
Ryan Mellinger's career in sake began unexpectedly, shaped by her upbringing in New York City where she was surrounded by diverse food cultures. As a child, she was exposed to Japanese cuisine, sparking her interest in sake long before it became her profession. After studying photography, she ventured into the restaurant industry, where she eventually discovered her passion for beverages, particularly sake. This passion led her to work with Joto Sake, where she has spent a decade nurturing her love of sake and sharing it with others.
Understanding Johto Sake's Philosophy
Johto Sake, established in 2005, focuses on importing high-quality, family-owned sake breweries from Japan, with a curated portfolio that highlights unique rice strains and brewing philosophies. Their name, 'Johto,' translates to 'highest quality,' reflecting their commitment to delivering exceptional sake while making it accessible to consumers in the U.S. The company places significant emphasis on education and creating strong relationships with breweries to ensure that the story and quality of each sake are communicated effectively. This approach has helped Johto become a reputable source for premium sake in a previously underrepresented market.
Navigating the Complexities of Sake Distribution
Sake distribution in the United States operates under a three-tier regulatory system that complicates the import process, involving producers, distributors, and retailers. Importers like Joto Sake sell to state-level distributors who then supply retailers and restaurants, making direct consumer sales nearly impossible. This layered system presents challenges, especially with perishable products like sake, which need careful inventory management to maintain freshness. Ryan’s role involves coordinating with each tier, requiring both a strong understanding of the market and effective communication with different stakeholders.
Innovative Sake Production Techniques
One notable product discussed was the Chikurin Fukumari Junmai sake, which utilizes a unique method of blending fresh sake with aged sake from previous years to enhance depth and flavor. This innovative process involves aging sake in a controlled environment, allowing complex layers of taste to develop over time, ultimately creating a rich and balanced beverage. The brewery’s philosophy emphasizes not only the quality of ingredients but also the brewer’s personal touch and commitment, reflected in Marumoto-san's approach to making sake. The resulting product is celebrated for its umami character and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of food pairings beyond traditional Japanese cuisine.
Episode 170. We were so happy to sit down to chat and sip sake with our friend Ryan Mellinger, the General Manager of the Joto Sake imports portfolio at Kobrand. Ryan explains to us, in an easy to understand way, the intricacies of the complex "three tier system" of alcohol distribution that we have in the States and all that goes into getting fresh and delicious sake all the way from Japan to local stores and restaurants for us to enjoy. Speaking of delicious sake, we also taste an intriguing selection from Joto's portfolio - the Chikurin Fukamari Junmai, which is a sake blended with previous year's batches to give it added depth and dimension. Listen in as we explore all things Joto Sake with Ryan! #SakeRevolution