Sake Fest at The Wine House in West LA

Most sake tastings in town give you four or five pours and a printed card. Sake Fest at The Wine House lines up 35. If you're sorting through LA events this weekend and want something that isn't another brunch, this is a strong pick for Sunday afternoon, September 27, from 1 to 3 PM.

The tasting happens in the event room upstairs at The Wine House, the big West LA shop on Cotner Avenue near the 405. Nine breweries are pouring, and several of them are sending people from Japan to do it, including a few toji (head brewers). That's the real draw. You can ask the person who made the sake why it tastes the way it does, and they'll actually know.

What's being poured

The lineup runs from classic to odd. Hakkaisan brings its Honjozo, a three-year snow-aged Yukimuro, the sparkling "Awa," and a Junmai Daiginjo labeled as a Dodgers edition. Yamanashi Meijo is pouring Morino Kanade, which spends time in Suntory whisky barrels. Suigei, Honda Shoten, Iinuma Honke, Fumigiku, Kondo Shuzo and Nagano Kikusui fill out the Japanese side.

Brooklyn Kura is the one American brewery on the list. Its dry-hopped Occidental and Lake Effect Nigori make a good contrast with the Japanese bottles if you want to see how a newer brewery approaches the style.

Yuzu shows up more than once, too: Iinuma Honke's Yuagari Yuzu Sake and Brooklyn Kura's Yuzu Fizz are both on the pour list, alongside Suigei's fruit liqueurs.

Food and bottle discount

Light appetizers come with the ticket. It isn't dinner, so eat something first if you plan to get through all 35. Every featured sake is 10% off for attendees on the day, which is handy if one bottle wins you over.

Tickets and practical info

Tickets are $81.88 through Eventbrite. The event description quotes $75, so the difference is most likely service fees. There are no physical tickets. Your name goes on the attendee list at the door. It's strictly 21+, and that includes designated drivers, so a sober ride can't come in with you. The listing says there are no refunds, though the event notes mention a 48-hour window for refunds or transfers. Contact the shop if you need to cancel.

The Wine House is at 2311 Cotner Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064. The listing says parking is free. After two hours of tasting, a rideshare home is the smart move.

It's a two-hour window, so arriving close to 1 PM gives you time to work through the whole lineup. For more things to do in Los Angeles, browse the Los Angeles neighborhood page or the full food and drink calendar.