simple joys, sake, and consistency
i'm not on my soapbox this week
Alright, blessing your inboxes and feeds on a Wednesday instead to see how this goes. Hopefully y’all are still hanging with me while I figure out how to optimize my creativity 🥲
wset diploma update
Really not much to say here other than the last maybe 1/3 of the text is so boring. All about marketing. But not in the fun, digital, oMg mArKeTiNg sense. All the dry strategies and legal restrictions behind marketing an alcoholic beverage. Kinda makes me want to scream into the void.
March 6th is creeping up really quickly and even though I’m putting in the work, I still feel so damn unprepared. I studied for D1 for six months. I read the text 4 times. I might get 3 reads out of this text before the exam, but that’s being optimistic. I have to keep telling myself that thousands of people have done this before me, so how hard can it be? And if I can get a Masters degree while working full-time AND learning how to fly (this was 2017-2019 btw), then I can do this no problem.
I keep thinking that I have to wear myself down to the bone for this Diploma. And that might be the case come D3, but right now, it’s a worthy challenge, not an insurmountable achievement.
simple joys + consistency
I’ve read two books in the last few weeks and my god, I forgot how much fun reading it. I finished Jane Lopes’ Vignette and it inspired me so much to write. I love the way she writes.
I’ve always loved writing. So, even if I’m not good at it, I’m going to keep on writing because I love it.
Now, I’m deep into East of Eden by John Steinbeck, an American classic that escaped me up until now. I’m really enjoying it, but my god these characters are profoundly sad. But in a sort of endearing way.
Reading is a simple joy for me. Doesn’t take much effort. Allows me to build a world inside my head and live in that world for a bit.
Another simple joy is exercise. And I must say, I’m really proud of myself to sticking to an exercise regimen consistently since last month. It just took a change of scenery and an honest conversation with myself to get back into a groove. Looking forward to regaining my strength and hopefully running a few races this year.
sake
Soon after I got my current job, I made it my mission to re-merchandise and expand our sake/fortified/sweet wine offerings. In doing so, I’ve learned (and tasted) a lot, which will certainly come in handy for D5 (Fortified Wines of the World). I don’t have all the wines that I want to feature yet - they’ll slowly but surely work their way into the set.
I had a big sake tasting with a specialist in town and my mind was blown. From the vending machine, it-does-the-job sake to ultra premium sake, I tasted the gamut. And I put together a lil sake program that I am truly excited about. Before, I was just restocking choices that had been bought by previous buyers. Now, I’ve built this program and I jump at the occasion to discuss sake with customers. Granted, I still don’t really know shit, but I know how the different sakes taste and what to pair them with.
Here are a few of my favourites:
Proper Sake Co “Soft Power” Kimoto Daiginjo
This sake is brewed in Nashville by one guy, which is super wild. The Kimoto brewing method is traditional and v labour-intensive. This sake is umami af - funky, a lil toasty, and super mushroomy. I was told that this would pair well with a cheese course and/or Southern cuisine (fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, etc). Plus, I love the label.
Yuki No Bosha “Cabin in the Snow” Junmai Ginjo
This sake comes from the most award-winning sake brewery in Japan. They have won the Japanese National Sake Competition 10 years out of the last 15. This sake is creamy and fruity, but with a dry finish. Great place to start for someone wanting to get into sake.
Drunken Whale Tokubetsu Junmai
I’m fairly certain I had this sake at a local omakase spot last year. It’s bright and fresh with notes of honeydew melon. Another approachable sake to start your sake journey.
Here’s to trying new things, enjoying simple things, and being consistent,
- j