Ancient wine lovers have enjoyed sake, Japan’s handmade national drink, for thousands of years, dating back at least to the 8th century. Brewed like a beer but consumed like a wine, sake is a wonderfully versatile alcohol that is only produced in Japan.
Unlike other alcohols, sake can be served either warm or cold. For premium and fine sake, it is recommended to drink it slightly chilled for the full astringent, clean flavour profile to emerge. For sake of lower prices, they tend to have a fruitier and sweeter taste. Sake is also one of the best drinks to pair with food with its superpower in bringing out umami. Apart from enjoying sake with traditional Japanese cuisine, the beverage also amazingly complements fermented foods like cheese, miso and flavour-rich shellfish. With its sweet notes, the rice wine couples perfectly with seafood and desserts.
