PARCHED | THE RICE IS RIGHT

The earliest recorded instance of sake-making in Japan was way back in 500 A.D. Then people didn’t use yeast or koji to ferment their rice; instead, they – ahem – they used their spittle (#bacteriarules). Not something we recommend you do nowadays, not even for the in-laws.

There’s a lot to learn about sake – regions, styles, rice, polishing rate, provenance – but info about it out there is disproportionate to what’s required learning. Sure you can gleam a few things from books and sites (#NeverStopReading), but two of the the best ways to learn is a) by drinking sake and, b) by speaking to a sake sommelier.

Thus the best way to learn is to drink with a sake sommelier, natch.

art of sake

Which is where Adrian Goh comes in. The man from sake distributor Inter Rice Asia is a triple-certified Head Sake Sommelier, and he has created Art of Sake to educate consumers and to promote the enjoyment of Japan’s national beverage as a lifestyle through curated sake appreciation initiatives such as beginners 101 courses and private classes, plus food pairing sessions as well. Find out more here.

[ Check out these restaurant/bars for great sakes: Kakure, Shukuu Izakaya, Kabuke, Kimoto and Big Sake Bar ]

Goh is a veritable treasure chest of sake knowledge, and while drinking with him we learned more about the Art of Sake initiatives, plus even more fun facts:

If you only remember one word, make it “Ginjo”, which describes the top four grades of sakes. (The top six grades are collectively known as “Tokutei Meishoshu”, which means premium.)

The rice that’s polished off isn’t wasted. It’s used for rice cakes and as cosmetic ingredients.

All rice is not created equal; there are about 100 types of rice used in brewing today.

Kimoto sake subscription

The best way to learn about sake is to drink it.

Art of Sake Subscription Box

From the prefecture to your pad. Sign up to the regular six-month subscription and enjoy immediate savings of $60 per package. You can also go month-to-month if you’re a commitment-phobe. A launch-exclusive Made in Japan glass carafe worth $80 will be given to the first 100 subscribers while stocks last. Each Art of Sake subscription box includes:

Two premium or three premium/ultra-premium bottles curated by our sakésommelier. (Add a third ultra premium bottle for a bit more).

Detailed tasting notes, recommended temperature for optimal consumption and glassware to savour the brew.

Best prices on sake imported directly from their Japanese breweries.

Free delivery every month.

[ Spirited Singapore Has More Info About the Subscription Service ]

Reading

Japan Sake is a great resource to learn more about sake.

Buy buy buy

Sake Warehouse Fest is happening on Sunday, Jan 28. 12pm – 4.30 pm.

16 Kallang Place #05-05, Singapore 339156
4 tastings at $10 or $40 (at the door or $35 early bird) for free-flow tasting per pax. Also, tons of sakes on sale. Get updates here.

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