Japanese Sake Glasses

What glass do you drink sake in?

Sake is generally enjoyed in the following glasses and containers.

Ochoko (small sake cup):

A small cup for drinking sake. It can be made of ceramic or glass and is suitable for chilled or room-temperature sake.

-Ginomi (small sake cup):

A cup slightly larger than an ochoko. It is suitable for chilled or room temperature sake and is good for tasting sake in small portions.

Masu (small wooden box):

A square wooden box. You can pour sake into it and drink it straight, or you can put a glass of ochoko into the box and enjoy it together. The smell of the wood gives the sake a unique taste.

Depending on the type and temperature of the sake you are drinking, choosing the most appropriate glass will make it even more delicious.

Can I use a wine glass for sake?

It is highly recommended that you use a wine glass for sake. Wine glasses help to bring out the full aroma and flavor of sake.

In recent years, the use of wine glasses for enjoying sake has increased, and they are especially suitable for enjoying ginjo sake and daiginjo sake, which have a rich aroma.

👍Benefits

🍷Enhance the aroma🍷
The wide bowl and thin rim of the wine glass effectively collect the aroma and deliver it to your nose. It is especially ideal for sake such as ginjo sake and daiginjo sake where the aroma is important.

🍷Visual enjoyment🍷
Transparent wine glasses allow you to enjoy the color and transparency of sake. Clear sake and slightly carbonated sake are especially beautiful to look at.

🍷Temperature Control🍷
Wine glasses have a long stem, so the sake does not heat up easily. This allows the temperature of cold sake to be maintained for a long time.

👍Suitable types of sake
Ginjo sake, Daiginjo sake. These sakes have a rich aroma and delicate flavor, so you can enjoy their aroma and flavor to the fullest when drinking them in a wine glass. Sparkling Sake: A wine glass is ideal for enjoying the fineness of the bubbles and the gorgeous aroma.

What is the best glass for sake?

・Tulip-shaped:

Ideal for capturing the aroma and making it easier for it to reach your nose.

・Bordeaux-shaped:

Characterized by a wide bowl part, it is suitable for enjoying a richer aroma.

Drinking sake in a wine glass can lead to new discoveries of flavors and aromas. Please try it.

・Material
Crystal glass: Highly transparent and does not affect the aroma or flavor, making it suitable for enjoying the color and texture of sake.

What are the rules for drinking sake?

Types of sake and temperature

-Ginjo sake, Daiginjo sake

It is customary to drink them chilled. The shape of the glass brings out the flavor, so it is best to keep it chilled in the refrigerator.

-Junmai sake, Honjozo sake

It is delicious when served at room temperature or slightly chilled. It is important to keep it at the right temperature.

How to serve
-How to choose a glass

To enjoy the aroma, it is good to choose a tulip-shaped or Bordeaux-shaped wine glass. A glass with high transparency is ideal.

-How to pour

Pour about 1/3 of the glass to allow the aroma to rise. This will allow you to enjoy the aroma that reaches your nose.

-How to taste
1)Enjoy the appearance: First, tilt the glass to check the color and clarity of the sake. It is beautiful when held up to the light.

2)Enjoy the aroma: Bring your nose close to the edge of the glass and slowly smell the aroma. Enjoy the unmistakable aroma of sake.

3)Enjoy the taste: Take a small amount in your mouth and roll it around on your tongue to taste. Swallow while feeling the taste of the sake.

Manners and Etiquette
Temperature control: For cold sake, it is important to chill it thoroughly before drinking. You can prepare an ice bucket to cool it so that the temperature does not rise during drinking.
Use the right amount: The key is to pour a small amount into the glass and enjoy the aroma and taste slowly. Be careful not to pour too much at once.

Garnish
-Japanese food:Sake goes well with Japanese food. It is good to enjoy it with sashimi, tempura, steamed dishes, etc.
-CheeseGinjo sake and especially Daiginjo sake go well with blue cheese and camembert.

By following these points, you can maximize the original aroma and flavor of sake and enjoy drinking it in a wine glass.