Shannon B.
Yelp
My first visit to Texas Saké Company (TSC) was such a delight I could not wait to share it. I had no idea we had our own secret saké brewery (or kura) here in Austin!
While originally founded in 2011, the place re-launched in December 2015 under new ownership (including some of the guys behind Strangeland Brewing). Since March 2016, they have been serving happy customers in the onsite TSC tasting room, as well as selling bottles of its small batch productions to local stores, restaurants, and anyone else who enjoys the diverse world of saké. If you shop at Central Market, HEB, or in.gredients, you can pick up a bottle or two there, too.
I was fortunate to recently attend a special event at TSC (Thanks, Amy D. & Our ATX!) in which we were able to taste a flight of 4 different types of saké (each one more delicious than the last), as well as to tour the brew room. Toji (brew master) Jeff explained the TSC brew process and schooled us all in Saké 101. A surprise to me was the oak-aged junmai, which immediately had me thinking of smoke and bourbon - I'd love to show up to the next BBQ picnic with this one. If you are new to saké, don't be scared! The flavors of the TSC brews are intended to appeal to a wide range of palates and adventurous drinkers are sure to find one to like.
FYI, TSC is a local, small biz, craft operation, so retail hours can be sporadic (or have been during the recent transition to new owners & processes). Current tasting room hours are Fri-Sat, 6p-11p, but it's always best to call 844.438.8392 and/or check social media for any scheduling changes and special tasting events onsite and around town.
https://www.facebook.com/txsake
https://www.instagram.com/texassakecompany/
https://twitter.com/txsake
Finding the place is a little tricky. Follow your map to Book Woman on North Lamar just south of Koenig. Turn onto Nelray Blvd and park on the street or in the lot just behind the Book Woman building (next to Travis County Strength gym). The small door into TSC is right next to the number 115 on the wall of the large, tan warehouse-looking structure.