(Photo: Tom Oliver)
 
Sake consumption continues to surge in the U.S. Anyone out there want to take a bow? Last year, sake boomed 19%.
 
Affordable domestic brands like Sho Chiku Bai ($7.99) and Gekkeikan ($13.99) are getting the most action, but the higher-end stuff is also seeing double-digit gains.
 
Want to jump on the bandwagon? One to watch for (then drink, of course) is Hiro sake. Launched in the New York metro area last September, Hiro plans to gradually expand via Touton’s access to bars, restaurants and retail stores in nine states: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
 
Try Hiro Red, brewed to be served warm, and Hiro Blue, served best straight or mixed in a cocktail.
 
Kanpai!