Not to long ago I had the opportunity to sample three TYKU bottles at a dinner party. TyKu White (Junmai Diaginjyo), TyKu Black (Junmai Ginjyo), and TyKu Soju were served during the dinner. While the Tyku White was served first, because everyone wanted to see what this expensive sake was like; However, I feel it should have been served last. TyKu White has very silky smooth fruity taste with lots of peach and chocolate flavors. Very moist, fruity with no tail, no bite, just pure silk. This is clearly a desert drink. Later TyKu Black was served. While Tyku White is mostly your fruity after dinner drink, TyKu Black is more your get down to business drink. Its dry, smooth, not fruity with hints of spices that change during drinking. Lightly acidic to excite the palette without a noticeable tail. Clearly my choice of the evening. TyKu Soju is as the name says a Soju not a Sake. TyKu Soju is a barley based spirit. Its flavor was more like a smooth light tasting whiskey. While it has a bite like most barley based drinks, it was a lot more subdued and refined.
- TyKu White ($110) For Parties or as a Special Gift. But too expensive and fruity for normal occasions.
- TyKu Black ($27) Nice selection and a good to change of pace, but there just as good sakes for the same or less money.
- TyKu Soju ($20) If you are looking for other Japanese spirits this is a good place to start.
