What is Sake?
It is is by far the most famous Japanese drink. It’s a fermented alcoholic beverage made from rice, yeast, koji mold, and water. In Japan, it’s called Nihonshu, which literally means “Japanese alcohol”, and internationally is usually referred to as sake. The term sake in Japan refers to all alcoholic beverages in general.
The drink is usually about 15% alcohol, slightly stronger than wine, and it’s typically enjoyed during meals. There are several types, divided into 2 big categories: Junmai and non-Junmai. Junmai means “pure rice” and it’s made with rice, yeast, koji mold, and water. Non-Junmai is made by adding distilled alcohol to the mix.
Another way to look at sake is by considering the milling or polishing of the rice. Milling or polishing the rice is essential to sake. It is one of the most important factors for determining aroma and flavor.
Depending on the milling ratio, or rice polishing rate, there are:
Junmai Daiginjo 純米大吟醸 = 50% or less rice milling
Junmai Ginjo 純米吟醸 = 60% or less rice milling
Junmai 純米 = a type is called simply junmai when is it a pure style and the milling ratio is unknown
The other way to make sake is to add distilled alcohol to rice, koji, yeast and water.
Depending on the milling ratio, or rice polishing rate, there are:
Daiginjo 大吟醸 = 50% or less rice milling
Ginjo 吟醸 = 60% or less rice milling
Honjozo 本醸造 = 70% or less rice milling
Futsu-shu 普通酒 = the milling ratio is unknown
(The percentage refers to how much of the rice grain is left after being polished)
The Birth of Sake
Sake as we know it originated about 1000 years ago. Throughout the centuries, lots of things changed in the brewing methods. The Edo Period (1603 – 1868) is when several brewing techniques were developed, and most of them are still used nowadays. Interestingly enough, the famous junmai ginjo type that we all love was only introduced to the market 40-50 years ago.
How to Enjoy Sake Like a Pro
Sake is perfect to enjoy with a meal or for Happy Hour.
In Japan, stemware isn’t as common as overseas. Here, sake is usually served in small cups called ochoko. It’s considered good manners to serve other people first and let someone else fill our cup. Serving each other is almost a ritual, and having small cups helps this purpose.
Sake can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature, or warm. The serving temperature depends on the pairing with the food and sometimes on the weather as well! An old belief says that when it is served warm it is to cover the poor quality of it. The real reason is that by warming it up, the natural flavor and aroma are enhanced.
Our Favorite Bars in Tokyo
Akaoni ($$-$$$)
Akaoni, or Red Demon, is located in the Sangenjaya area. Sangenjaya is a charming area full of small izakaya and restaurants. Akaoni is quite famous for its variety of drink selection and dishes. They only serve sake and beer and their food menu often varies depending on the drink. They are very serious about sake and carefully select it from all over Japan.
Address: 2 Chome-15-3 Sangenjaya, Setagaya
SAKE HALL HIBIYA BAR ($$-$$$)
This amazing bar is located close to Ginza station. It has a refined atmosphere and a drink menu that can meet anyone’s needs. They specialize in sake cocktails. This is definitely the right place to experience a different take on the Japanese drink. While most bars and restaurants prefer a more traditional way to enjoy the drink, here they love to express themselves and create awesome drinks. They have also developed a yummy menu full of delicacies that will pair nicely with your drink.
Address: 5 Chome -6-12 Ginza, Chuo (B1)
Asakusa Ichimon ($$-$$$)
Asakusa is famous for his long history as well as the abundance of amazing food. Among all the old-style izakaya, Ichimon really stands out. Opened about 70 years ago, it has a special charm. Their signature dish is Negima Nabe, a hot pot dish with leeks and tuna (yum!). And their drink menu is extensive and delicious. As soon as you walk in, you’ll have to change your money from the Japanese yen to mon, the old Japanese currency. Then they will take you to your table. You can choose between a western-style table or a private tatami room. And let them treat you with their delicacies! Despite the old style, they do have an English menu so you don’t have to worry.
Address: 3-12-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Nozaki Saketen ($$-$$$)
Located in Shinbashi, this izakaya is in a very interesting part of the city. Shinbashi is a bustling business district. The streets around the station are filled with izakaya that welcome the salaryman (businessmen) after work. Nozaki is a little gem in this area. They have a huge sake menu with most of their sake being Jizake. Jizake are small breweries, usually family businesses, with a long history and unique charm. To go with their abundance of sake, they have a menu that ranges from sashimi to beef stew. The staff is really passionate about sake and it shows! The menu is in Japanese only, but the staff is friendly and will make you feel welcome!
Address: 3 Chome-19-4 Shinbashi, Minato
Doron is close to Shinjuku station and it’s a specialized bar. The menu includes more than 20 different kinds of sake and changes quite often. The owner of Doron is a sake sommelier. He loves to find lesser-known brands of sake to have a unique menu, and enjoys experimenting with sake to create interesting drinks. The chef is a sushi professional, has a license to cook the famously poisonous pufferfish, and is a kaiseki specialist. With such a combination of passion for drinks and food, get ready for an amazing journey.
The staff here speak English and will help you find your favorite type.
Address: 7 Chome−19−21 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Next time you come to visit Japan, make sure to check out these places. You will be surprised by the variety of it!
