:: FOOD & DRINK

Yoramu - A Cup Above The Rest

NIHONSHU GURU YORAN

Deep in the heart of Kyoto lies an unexpected gem - the Yoramu sake bar, which, lying in the back streets of Oike, offers foreigners a chance to impress all and sundry with their knowledge of the most enjoyable aspect of Japanese culture.

The bar is owned and operated by Yoran Ofer, a long-term Kansai resident from Israel. His 16 years in the area have not been idly spent, as he has acquired a comprehensive knowledge of nihonshu that many native Japanese would be in awe of.

Yoran has been running the bar for two years, dispensing both his extensive insight and formidable collection in measures of equal generosity.

First-timers are invited to try the sampler set; three large measures of rare sakes from around the country, for \750.

　

Individual glasses start from \300 each

Individual glasses start from \300 each.

Part of the service includes an informative and enjoyable conversation/lesson concerning the drinks in front of you, ranging from the general process of brewing sake to pointers about how to discern the wide variety of flavors available.

Being the intrepid reporter that I am, my acquaintance and I decided to extend the pleasure and each try two different sample sets, meaning access to 12 varieties of sake - from non-pasteurized sake, kept cold and vacuum-sealed to slow the fermentation process and preserve the taste, to an aged sake that was rich, amber-colored, and sherry-like.

The difference between different brands, once pointed out to you, are at once subtle and striking. You may never drink One Cup from a vending machine again.

　

CUPS LINED UP AT THE YORAMU BAR

Yoramu is near the intersection of Higashi-no-toin-dori and Nijo-dori, Kyoto.
For details contact Yoran at 075-213-1512.

reviewed by Euan McKirdy