Finding the right sake for you
There are many different types of sake. With approximately 1200 producers in Japan, each brewing around 20 different types each, that’s a lot of sake!
So how do you go about finding the right sake for you?
The best way is to try as many as you can and then make an informed decision but, of course, this solution is both time consuming and expensive! Instead, here are some simple steps to help you find the right sake for you:
- Start by looking at our Sake Myths blog post, this should help clarify what a sake is (or is not!)
- Have a look at our page on the types of sake out there, find something you like the sound of and go for it!
- Think about your wine and/or beer preferences. If you like light, delicate and subtle whites then probably a light daiginjo will be to your tastes. If you like your whites fruity and zingy then our richer daiginjos are probably more your thing (or try a namazake)! Navigate to our Sake Shop and filter by the flavour pictograms at the top. Big and bold reds are more the domain of Yamatogawa Shuzo or Tsuji Honten, the former being deep and rich in flavour while the latter is funkier and more ‘rustic’.
- Think about the occasion or food you’re going to be drinking your sake with. Have a look at our enjoying sake page for clues.
- If you’re looking to buy a gift for someone then consider one of Our Selections, or I would recommend a special daiginjo or the very special Golden Amber (voted “best sake as a gift 2012” and winner of Silver Award at the International Wine Challenge 2013) or – if you want to push the boat out – our Ichiban Selection.
- Perhaps you like you’d like to try something funky or different? Try either our Full and Funky Selection or Nama Selection.
- Once you start getting familiar with sake, make use of our Master Specs to better help determine if the characteristics you’re looking for are in a particular sake.
- Send us an email or give us a call! We’re always happy to advise and help you find the perfect sake for you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different stuff! It took a while for you to discover what kind of wines you like, right? Sake too (but we’re here to help!)
