The 2 Local Sake of Karatsu you must try!

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The Karatsu Sake Brewery Summit attracted many visitors last Sunday.

I was inspired how happy people were talking about the Saga Sake they like.

I'd like to extend the happiness by digging deeper on Saga Sake.

The 2 Local Sake of Karatsu


There was a guest, a local from Karatsu that told me how much he loved Sake.

He was telling me about Komatsu Sake Brewery that makes Manrei, and Narutaki Sake Brewery that makes Taki and Taiko which is home to Karatsu City. 

The rest of the sake served at Choko Bar are all from other cities within Saga Prefecture.

So, I decided to taste and take note of the ones from Karatsu first. 

  • Manrei

From my experience so far, locals choose Manrei over Taki. Maybe because Taki is the premium version of Taiko, the signature sake for the Kunchi Frestival.

Manrei is sweet and rich. Starting off drinking sake, or when you are drinking sake without food. Manrei is a good choice.

  • Taki

This time it was the same as the first time I tried it. It's clear and round. Sweet but one of the not sweet ones out of all the sake from Saga.

It's neutral in a very good way, I thought it paired best with the tsumami it came with. I have the exact same opinion this time as well.

I like wines that has a good nose but are mineral and clear. Taki is the taste I prefer, especially when I'm pairing it with food. 

This is it for today's tasting note.

I'll continue to share what I learned here and organise it to a sake map of Saga someday.

Sake tasting x Karatsu cup



I love how at Choko Bar, you could choose your Karatsu ware sake cup or "choko"猪口 when you order "ichigou"=1合 or 180ml.

It comes in a Katakuchi 片口 server and you could choose the cup from the shelf.


There is a sake sampler set as well.

You can try 4 local sake from a variety of choices with a pairing side dish only for 1500-2000JPY.
 
Come enjoy for local sake tasting, matcha, and other cafe menus all served with Karatsu dishes and cups!

Come see me in Choko Bar just in front of Karatsu Station

I work as a sake bartender at Choko Bar, a bar/cafe where you can try local sake and light meals with Karatsu dishes and cups.


I'm currently in charge of Thursdays and Fridays, and on weekends and public holidays a very nice and gourmet lady from Kitakyushu.

The owner wants me to make it a place for international travelers to know more about Karatsu, and I'll do my best to connect you with the local regulars that know a lot about this small but very interesting Bushido and foodie town!

Come join me on the journey at Karatsu. 

I moved into Karatsu on March, 2025 from the variety of fish it has.

But I want to try to work with the local businesses and the government to show you hints of the samurai town.

It has great traditional content that is interesting, but it's still hidden.

It will be my pleasure to show you the charms of the samurai city as an experience that we all can learn from to better our lives.

    Where to stay in Karatsu:

    松 Higher Class: Yoyokaku, Mizuno Ryokan
    Apartment style with kitchen: Hotel Nine States Karatsu

    Where to eat in Karatsu:

    What to do in Karatsu:

    Thanks for Reading! 

    Follow me on my journey discovering the best fish dishes of Japan. I will open a fish laboratory in my akiya abandoned house I'm going to live soon.

    I would love to connect with people interested in fishes, cooking, and Japanese food. Share me your interests, and let's hang out!

    This will be my long game, and I look forward to sharing what happens.

    Monday-Wednesday: Closed

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