Do you Know Sake? — Premium Sake

Sake, the iconic Japanese rice wine, has captivated palates around the world with its distinct flavors and cultural significance. Behind this exquisite beverage lies a meticulously crafted process, and one of the traditional methods used in its production is the Yamahai brewing method. Let's shed light on the unique characteristics and techniques associated with Yamahai sake production, exploring its history, brewing process, and the resulting flavor profiles.The Yamahai brewing method originates from the Nara period in Japan (710-794 AD) and has been practiced for centuries. Before the advent of modern technology and the widespread use of cultivated yeast strains, Yamahai was...

Katsuyama Brewery, renowned for its dedication to producing exceptional sake, embraces the spirit of celebration and tradition by crafting a unique bottle for Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year festivities. Each year, Katsuyama presents a special edition Daiginjo-grade sake, infused with gold flakes and adorned with a label depicting the zodiac sign of the current and upcoming year. As we enter the Year of the Dragon, Katsuyama Brewery's golden sake bottle serves as both a symbol of prosperity and a testament to the artistry that unites Japan and Chinese cultures.Katsuyama Brewery, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, boasts...

Exploring the World of Japanese Sake in 2023Sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine, has been enjoyed for centuries in Japan and has become a popular drink around the world. In recent years, sake has seen a resurgence in popularity as more and more people appreciate this delicious drink's unique flavors and cultural heritage. In 2023, Japanese sake continues to evolve, adapting to changing consumer tastes and creating new experiences for sake fans worldwide.One significant trend in the world of sake is the growing popularity of premium sakes. In the past, most people associated sake with cheap, low-quality brews that were...

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is the world's most respected annual wine competition and showcases some of the world's finest wines and spirits. One of the standout categories of the IWC is the Japanese sake category. Japanese sake is a rice-based alcoholic beverage that has origins dating back to the 8th century.Since its introduction in 2003, the IWC has awarded powerful recognition for sake brews from all across Japan. Every year, many of the world’s best sake brewers compete for the top honors. Awards are given to those sakes that best represent their brewer in terms of character, finesse and...

Sake often requires very specific conditions to brew effectively, and this is well worth considering if you have been looking to invest in premium sake. But why are the winter months the main brewing seasons for premium-quality Japanese sake wine, and what impact might this have on the final quality of the drinks themselves? Why Winter is the Main Sake Brewing Season in Japan When we think about brewing sake, there’s a lot that can come to mind – the quality of ingredients and the expertise of the Toji, mainly. However, there’s more to top-class sake than these factors alone,...