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Hawaii is a unique market for sake. Whereas in Japan the drink is considered an "old thing," for young professionals in Hawaii, it’s the "in" thing, says Yoshihiro Homma, sake sommelier and liquor director for Marukai Wholesale Mart.
Homma should know, as the store offers one of the biggest sake selections in Hawaii.
"For sansei and yonsei, they have the image in their heads of their grandfather drinking sake," he said, refering to third- and fourth-generation Japanese-Americans. "The younger generation has no such image. There’s a lot of potential."
To meet this market, Homma leads Marukai’s sake club, which provides members with a bottle of sake monthly, tastings and even food pairings at restaurants around town.
A six-month membership is a hefty $250, but Homma says the bottles of sake alone cover the fee. "If you can drink a bottle monthly, it’s worth it. If you attend any of the dinners, it’s well worth it," he said.
Homma says Marukai is considering a sake and shochu club as well.
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For information on the Marukai Sake Club, visit www.marukaihawaii.com, call 845-5051 or email sakeclub@marukaihawaii.com.
