Best of Boston

2022 Best Beverage Director

Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale, the Koji Club

When nationally noted sake pro Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale left O Ya in early 2020 to open Boston’s first sake bar, she couldn’t have imagined the pandemic-related obstacles she’d face. But after pivoting to offer virtual drink-to-learn sessions, she’s finally opened the doors to her intimate brick-and-mortar bar at the Charles River Speedway, where she delights locals with sakes never before seen in the Hub — like the fresh and lively namazake, a springtime special — and enlightens them on Japan’s national drink with the approachability and sense of fun of a most-formative teacher.