Sake Stuff: An Intro to Sake

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard about sake. But what is it? What’s the difference between premium and regular sake? And most importantly, how do you drink it? Keep reading for all that and more! 

Sake has been around for centuries, and while it’s typically associated with Japan, it’s gaining popularity all over the world. Sake is a brewed rice wine made from rice, water and koji (a type of Aspergillus oryzae mold). 

Sake can be either premium or regular, but both are delicious when paired with the right food! There are lots of ways to enjoy sake – including cold, warm or hot – so experiment until you find your favorite way to drink it.

What is Sake?

Sake, also called nihonshu, is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is typically served in small cups or bottles and is often considered a special-occasion drink. Sake is usually made with short-grain rice and has a higher alcohol content than other Japanese drinks such as beer or wine. 

There are many different types of sake, which vary in taste, aroma, and color. Sake is made by fermenting rice with water, yeast, and koji (a type of mold). The rice is milled to remove the outer layer of bran, which contains enzymes that can cause off-flavors in the finished sake. The milled rice, called koji-rice, is then mixed with water and koji and left to ferment for 30-40 days. 

After fermentation, the sake is pressed to remove the solids and then diluted with water to reach the desired alcohol content. Sake is typically around 15% alcohol, but some types can be as high as 22%. 

Sake can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or warmed. It is often served in small cups or bottles called ochoko or choko. Sake can also be used in cooking, such as in sushi rice or marinades. 

History of Sake

Sake has been brewed in Japan for centuries and was originally used in religious ceremonies. In the 8th century, sake was introduced to the Imperial Court and became popular among the nobility. 

By the 12th century, sake brewing had spread throughout Japan and was being produced on a large scale. In the 14th century, a tax was imposed on sake production, which led to the development of small-scale sake breweries called Kura. 

During the Edo period (1603-1868), sake brewing flourished and Kura was established throughout Japan. The Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) brought many changes to Japanese society, including the modernization of the sake industry. 

Today, there are over 1,500 sake breweries in Japan, and sake is exported to many countries around the world.

What are the Different Types of Sake?

1. Junmai

Junmai sake is a type of Japanese rice wine that is made using only pure rice and water. Junmai sake has a higher percentage of rice solids in it than other types of sake, which gives it a fuller body and richer flavor. Because of this, junmai sake is often served at special occasions and weddings. 

Junmai sake is brewed using a special type of rice called akamai. This rice is milled down to 50% of its original size, which allows for more of the starch to be converted into sugar during the brewing process. This results in a sweeter and richer flavor profile. The brewing process of junmai sake is also different from other types of sake. 

The rice is washed and soaked in water for some time before it is steamed. This step is called koji-making, and it helps to break down the rice starch into fermentable sugars. After the koji-making step, the rice is mixed with a special type of yeast called koji-kin. 

This yeast helps to ferment the sugars in the rice, which creates alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermentation process takes place over two weeks, and the resultant sake is then pressed and filtered. The final product is a pure, unadulterated rice wine that has a higher percentage of rice solids than other types of sake.

2. Honjozo

Honjozo sake is a type of Japanese rice wine that is made using both polished and unpolished rice. The polishing process removes the outer layer of the rice grain, which contains most of the protein and fat. 

This results in a light, clean-tasting sake that is perfect for enjoying with food. Honjozo sake is typically light in body and has a slightly sweet flavor. It is best served chilled or at room temperature. 

Honjozo sake is made using a special brewing method that includes the addition of alcohol to the fermentation process. This results in higher alcohol content than other types of sake, which makes it perfect for enjoying with food. Honjozo sake is typically light in body and has a slightly sweet flavor. It is best served chilled or at room temperature. 

Honjozo sake is a great choice for those who are looking for a light, refreshing drink to enjoy with food. It pairs well with lighter dishes such as sushi and sashimi, as well as grilled meats and vegetables. If you are looking for sake to enjoy on your own, Honjozo is a great choice. It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

3. Ginjo

Ginjo sake is a type of Japanese rice wine that is made using a special brewing process. This process involves steaming the rice at a high temperature and then fermenting it with yeast. The resulting sake has a higher alcohol content than regular sake, and it also has a more refined flavor. 

Ginjo sake is often served chilled or at room temperature, and it is often used in sushi restaurants as an accompaniment to sushi. Ginjo sake is made using a special brewing process that involves steaming the rice at a high temperature. This process results in higher alcohol content for the sake, as well as a more refined flavor. 

The ginjo brewing process was developed in the early 1900s, and it is now used to produce some of the finest sake in Japan. Ginjo sake is usually served chilled or at room temperature. It is often used as an accompaniment to sushi in sushi restaurants. 

Ginjo sake has a complex flavor that can include notes of fruits, flowers, and herbs. The best ginjo sake is made with premium rice and pure water.

4. Daiginjo

When it comes to sake, there is nothing quite like daiginjo. This premium type of sake is made with rice that has been milled down to at least 50% of its original size. This results in a smooth, delicate flavor that is perfect for sipping. 

Daiginjo sake is typically brewed using the Yamaha or Kimoto method, which results in a deeper, richer flavor. This sake is also aged for longer periods, giving it a complex taste that is perfect for enjoying on special occasions. 

If you are looking for the ultimate shopping experience, daiginjo sake is the way to go. When shopping for daiginjo sake, you will notice that there is a wide range of prices. This is because this sake is made with premium ingredients and takes longer to brew. However, even the most expensive daiginjo sake is worth trying at least once.

5. Sparkling Sake

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is traditionally served in small cups or bowls and is often considered a special-occasion drink. Sparkling sake, or “Seishun,” is a type of sake that has been carbonated and bottled under pressure. 

It is typically lighter in body and flavor than non-sparkling sake and has a refreshing, bubbly texture. Sparkling sake is often served as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to light meals. It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Some brands of sparkling sake are available in supermarkets and liquor stores, while others can be found at specialty Japanese shops.

How to Drink Sake

1. Pour sake into your cup gently. 

Pouring sake into your cup is an important part of the drinking experience. The way you pour can affect the taste and aroma of the sake, so it’s worth taking a few moments to do it right. 

When pouring sake, hold the bottle in one hand and the cup in the other. Pour slowly and steadily, letting the stream of sake hit the side of the cup. Fill the cup about three-quarters full. If you’re drinking with others, be sure to pour for them before pouring for yourself. 

It’s considered bad manners to drink before everyone has been served. When you’re finished pouring, gently wipe any drops of sake from the bottle or cup. 

2. Take small sips of sake and savor the flavor. 

When it comes to sake, there are different ways to enjoy it. You can take small sips and savor the flavor, or you can drink it quickly. While both methods have their own merits, taking small sips is the best way to appreciate all that sake has to offer. 

Sake is traditionally served in small cups, so taking small sips is the natural way to drink it. This allows you to fully enjoy the taste and aroma of the sake. It also prevents you from getting too drunk too quickly. 

Taking small sips also allows you to appreciate the different flavors that sake can have. Sake can range from sweet to dry, and everything in between. By taking small sips, you can slowly explore all the different flavors that sake has to offer.

3. Let the sake warm up to body temperature before drinking it.

One important thing to keep in mind when enjoying sake is that the temperature at which it is served can greatly affect the taste. For example, serving sake too cold will cause it to taste more astringent while serving it too hot will make it taste sweeter. 

The ideal temperature for sake is around body temperature or about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. This may seem like a difficult temperature to achieve, but there are a few easy ways to get your sake to this temperature without using a thermometer. 

One way to warm up your sake is to simply hold the cup in your hands for a few minutes before drinking. The heat from your hands will gradually transfer to the sake, warming it up to the perfect drinking temperature. 

4. If you’re new to sake, start with a lower-grade sake and work your way up to the premium varieties.

If you’re new to sake, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Sake is a Japanese rice wine that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made from fermented rice and water, and it has a unique flavor that is both sweet and sour. There are different grades of sake, and the quality of the sake depends on the grade. 

The lower-grade sake is called futsu-shu, and it is the most common type of sake. Futsu-shu makes up about 80% of all sake consumed in Japan. It is light in color and has a mild flavor. The next grade up is called honjozo-shu, and it makes up about 15% of all sake consumed in Japan. 

Honjozo-shu is slightly darker in color than futsu-shu, and it has a more pronounced flavor. The highest grade of sake is called daiginjo-shu, and it makes up about 5% of all sake consumed in Japan. 

Daiginjo-shu is the most expensive type of sake, and it is made from rice that has been milled down to 50% of its original size. This type of sake has a very delicate flavor, and it is usually served in small glasses.

5. Don’t forget to pour sake for your companions.

When drinking sake, it is customary to pour for your companions before pouring for yourself. This is because sake is seen as a way to bring people together and share in the experience. 

Pouring sake for others is a sign of respect and friendship, so be sure to do it when you are enjoying a meal with friends or family. It’s also a good way to show appreciation for your host if you are enjoying a meal at someone’s home.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an interesting drink to explore, sake is a great place to start. With its long history and complex production process, it is no wonder that sake has become one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Whether you are new to sake or have been enjoying it for years.