All in Basics

Sparkling Sake

There’s a sake for every occasion – and sparkling sake can be a real alternative to Champagne. But how is sparkling sake produced? And what’s the difference between artificial carbonation and Champagne-style natural carbonation?

Further Reading

While we try to offer quality content for both novices and more advanced sake-geeks, there are many experts out there who know even more than we do. So if you want to dig even deeper, here are some sake related books worth checking out.

Hot or Not?

As temperatures are getting cooler here in Europe, the leaves are changing colour and we all spend more time indoors. What better time to have look at warm sake!

Is Sake Vegan?

Many people want to reduce their consumption of animal products, be it for health, social or environmental reasons. But in wine and beer production, animal products are often used as clarification agents, although the main ingredients are otherwise vegan. How about sake then?

Sweet or Dry?

One thing you might want to know when picking a bottle of sake is ‘will this be sweet or dry-tasting?’ The different grades of premium sake (like Junmai or Ginjo) tell you what to expect in terms of aroma and umami, but brewers are free to decide for themselves how much sweetness they want their sake to have. So how can you tell?

Deciphering Sake Labels

Deciphering sake labels can be difficult, all the more so if you don’t know any Japanese (and even then, the artistic calligraphy can complicate things). Luckily, many importers will add their own back label to the sake they sell. But if you have bottle without such information, this article will help you out.

Seasonal Styles of Sake

As the seasons change, so does the sake. From the fresh and lively new releases in early spring to the matured and rounded Akiagari in autumn. Here we present some of the most important seasonal offerings.

Sake Aroma and Flavour

If you only drink sake once in a while, it can be difficult to find words to describe the aroma and taste of a particular sake and how it differs from another. This article will introduce some of the common flavours and aromas you find in sake.

Serving Sake

The small cups traditionally used for serving sake are often mistaken for shot glasses. But there’s a whole range of vessels for sake, in all kinds of materials. Let’s have a look at some of the options and how to best enjoy sake at home! (Hint: you probably already have the perfect glass!)

Main Types of Japanese Sake

Sake can be a confusing topic, even if you already know your way around wine or beer. In this article we’ll have a look at the main categories and types of Japanese sake and what terms to look out for.