Chances are you’ve had hot sake or a sake bomb before, or you’ve tried a flight of sake at a restaurant and you’re curious to find that experience again. Sake may seem difficult at first because of the foreign labels, terminology and lack of information and selection available at most restaurants, but actually, it’s an incredibly approachable drink!
We believe you don’t have to be a sake sommelier to enjoy sake. You can enjoy it any way you want. Here at Tippsy, our mission is to provide access to a good selection as well as information to make sake easy and fun. There’s so much to know about the world of sake, but for those seeking an introduction and just a little more knowledge to enhance the drinking experience, we’ve put together a Sake Guide to give you a better understanding and appreciation for this centuries-old work of craftsmanship.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
Lesson 1: What Is Sake?
Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice that has been polished and fermented with a special ingredient called koji. The correct pronunciation is “sah-keh” (not “sah-kee”). Known as Japan’s national beverage, there are over 10,000 variations of sake produced all over the country. The average ABV (alcohol by volume) is between 15%-16%. Sake is a very versatile drink with great pairing abilities for all types of cuisine. Here we look at the brief history of sake, the unique regionality of Japan that influences the variety of sake we enjoy today, and answer some commonly asked questions.
Lesson 2: What Is Sake Made of and How Is It Made?
Premium sake has only a few ingredients: rice, water, koji, yeast and sometimes brewer’s alcohol. But how these ingredients are used and the method of brewing varies from sake to sake. Dive into sake ingredients and how sake is made in this step-by-step guide! Discover the skill and precision that goes into crafting this amazing beverage, and the many ways each brewery can make this process their own.
