There is a uniqueness that cannot be denied in Japan. The narrow alleyway features a small bar, rooms for just a handful of guests, lined up the street. Here, customers line up with the host for sake, skewers, skewers and proximity that Benjamin Koots might describe as “analog.”
“In these little intimate bars, there’s conversation, life and reality, and there’s more face-to-face experience,” he says.
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This is the first Sommelier liquor Sumi pop-up of the Michelin-winning sommelier to win a Michelin award on Thursday (June 26) and is what you’ll find at Digress Wine (1215 Edgewater Drive) in Orlando’s College Park area.
“Everyone is welcome, sake fans and newcomers,” says Coutts. “Even if we discussed some of the souquets that have helped us travel the world of drinks, it would be much more conversational. I would like to ask a question: the conversation is about all of us and how liquor fits into it.”
It fits in more places than you think. Far from exclusive cuisine, we see the sake in a single can or bottle with all sorts of dishes at more venues than ever before. Coutts wants to use liquor Sumi to measure interest in the type of tasting people are looking for right now.
“There are a lot out there, there are lots of tastings pop up and there are lots of food and wine drink pairing events. What are they missing? What do they want from that?”
All about his experiences growing up in the ’80s and ’90s tell him that it might be more gritti than a refined package.
“More realistic.”
Hosted at one of the best wine bars in the city, Digress is as real as it gets. Zero’s pretended. According to Coutts, owner Rob Chase is truly supportive and “helps sell in the space with grace.” This means guests can pre-order on-site at the event. The monthly sake subscription club will soon follow.
Future pop-ups are already in the works, some are set to be more food-related. Meanwhile, join Coutts and chase at Digress’s “Cellar” for this intimate event and get to know Sake Sumi. If successful, Coutts believes he will find a cozy home for his own small liquor bar. The sale of tickets will benefit that effort.
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“It’s a simple concept to pop up and eventually translate it into a larger space, food hall or other venue.”
For more information, we have hosts of this professional tasting notes, lots of fun facts, blog posts, and more, including info about upcoming events. For sumi tickets, please visit our order. See toasttab.com/online/digress-wine-bar-1215-edgewater-drive.
Find me on Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo, or Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more food fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
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