Invitation to the profound world of sake

For those of you who like and are interested in sake, there are many more ways to enjoy sake than just finding a brand you like, such as enjoying how the taste changes with temperature and choosing sakeware.
This article is written with the hope that you will learn more about sake and come to love it.

1. The best part of warming sake

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Japanese restaurants in Japan that focus on serving heated sake. Especially during the cold season, it has the potential to warm the body, promote blood circulation, and quiet hangover symptoms (don't drink too much, of course! ha-ha!). Not only that, but heated sake has its own unique flavor made from rice and koji (a key ingredient in the traditional Japanese fermentation process, particularly in the production of sake and miso), which may become more pronounced as the temperature rises.
It is also a good idea to find the right way to drink sake by enjoying the differences in temperature and taste, I think it is one of the ways to enjoy sake. If it is hard to order sake at a restaurant, why not enjoy it at home with your favorite sake cup during this cold winter season?
 
Here's an explanation of how to enjoy sake at different temperatures:

1) Cold Sake (5-15°C):

• Chilled sake offers a refreshing and crisp taste.

• It is well-suited for dry or light sake with a refreshing aroma.

2) Room temperature Sake (15-20°C):

• Enjoying sake at or near room temperature brings out its deep flavors and aromas.

• Sakes such as Junmai or Ginjo, known for their complexity, are recommended.

3) Warm Sake (40-45°C):

• Slightly warm sake enhances its umami and sweetness, and expands the aroma.

• Sakes like Daiginjo or aged sake with rich flavors are suitable for this temperature range.

4) Hot Sake (50°C and above):

• Hot sake, often preferred in winter, emphasizes the sweetness and richness of the sake.

• It's typically enjoyed with full-bodied or aged sake.

Choosing the temperature according to the season, mood, and food pairing can elevate the experience of enjoying sake, as each temperature range brings out different nuances in the taste and aroma of sake.

 

Are you ready to drink warmed sake? Here is how to make warmed sake:

1) Yusen Method (Hot Water Bath):

• Pour an appropriate amount of sake into a special sake container.
• Boil water in a larger bowl and immerse the sake container.
• Wait until the sake warms up, then take it out and enjoy.

2) Use a pot or saucepan:

• Pour an appropriate amount of sake into a small pot or saucepan.

• Warm the sake over medium heat, and when it reaches the desired temperature, turn off the heat and let it sit for a while before drinking.

3) Use a microwave

While it's not the traditional method, you can warm sake in a microwave. Here's how:

• Pour the desired amount of sake into a microwave-safe container.

• Heat the sake in short intervals (e.g., 10 seconds) to avoid overheating.

• After each interval, stir the sake to distribute the heat evenly.

• Continue this process until the sake reaches the desired temperature.

Be careful not to overheat the sake rapidly, as this may affect its flavor. It's essential to warm the sake gradually to avoid rapid temperature changes. Additionally, be mindful of the temperature settings, as different types of sake may require specific considerations.

 

2. How to Choose Sakeware

Deeply rooted in tradition and culture, Japanese sake comes to life not only through its diverse flavors, but also through the sake containers used to make it. Enjoying the various types of sake vessels and their individual characteristics has also been a popular pastime since ancient times.

1) Ochoko (お猪口)

Let's start with the quintessential sake cup, known as an "ochoko. Ochoko is a small, often ceramic cup that comes in various shapes and designs. Its modest size encourages sipping and savoring the nuanced flavors of sake. From traditional, hand-painted ochoko to more modern, minimalist styles, this vessel captures the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.

2) Guinomi (ぐい呑み)

Similar to ochoko, guinomi is a sake cup with a wider mouth for a more immersive drinking experience. Its deeper shape is in keeping with the traditional practice of taking a sip to fully appreciate the sake. Guinomi design often reflects regional aesthetics and craftsmanship, making each cup a unique work of art.

3) Masu (升)

The masu, a square wooden box traditionally used to measure rice, has found a unique place in the sake world. Now commonly used as a sake container, the masu brings a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the drinking experience. The cedar wood imparts a subtle fragrance to the sake, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

4) Tokkuri (徳利)

Moving on to larger vessels, the "tokkuri" is a traditional sake carafe with a narrow neck and round body. Made of various materials such as ceramic, glass or even metal, the tokkuri is designed for pouring sake into smaller cups such as ochoko or guinomi. Its elegant form and functionality make it a staple in both casual and formal settings.

5) Sakazuki (盃)

Sakazuki is a shallow, flat sake cup often used in ceremonial rituals, including traditional Japanese weddings and New Year's celebrations. Its wide surface allows sake to be shared between individuals, symbolizing unity and camaraderie.

 

Each sake cup reveals the richness of Japanese history, craftsmanship, and cultural practices. Exploring sake through sake vessels adds a tactile and visual dimension. As you embark on your sake journey, may the diverse shapes and designs of these sake vessels further deepen your exploration of the richness of sake. Cheers!