Discovering True Sake, San Francisco, CA
I’ve heard of Beau Timken’s name being mentioned a several times, when I was taking a Sake Certification Course in Japan. I’ve learned from my fellow Sake enthusiasts that Beau has a claim to fame of operating the first Sake store in U.S., as well as first dedicated Sake store outside of Japan.
So when I returned to the states after earning my Certified Sake Professional accreditation from John Gauntner’s Sake Professional Course, I had to go visit Beau in San Francisco and check out his store.
The day I visited his store, True Sake, I really lucked out when I found Beau there. Beau, also one of first students to graduate John Gauntner’s course in Japan, we had a lot of talk about. He showed me all the wonderful sakes he carries in his store, and it was really difficult not buy one of everything to taste!
I’ve acquired a taste for Nama Sake (unpasturized) and I bought several of them to take home with me. Good thing I brought a cooler as these Namas require refrigeration. I also acquired taste for Sake made with traditional methods: Yamahai and Kimoto styles. These Sakes tend to be very interesting with funky and savory flavor profiles that I think goes very well with heavy meat dishes. They are also fun Sakes as you can try drinking them chilled or warmed.
I highly recommend visiting True Sake if you’re ever in San Francisco. Or, if you would like to try Sake but can’t quite get into The City, then you can always order online from truesake.com.
Beau’s website has nifty references where each Sake descriptions include suggested food pairing, and even wine flavor equivalence so you have something to go by in making your choices.