15 articles
Most craft sake is not legally "sake" (seishu) in Japan. A licensing barrier that keeps new seishu producers out is precisely what gave rise to a freewheeling style of brewing with unconventional ingredients. Here is what this new category really is, starting with the licences behind it.
A detailed guide to international sake competitions. Learn about IWC, Kura Master, Joy of Sake, and more - including judging criteria, categories, and how to interpret results.
Water hardness, winter cold, sake rice, and the people and institutions behind it all—a guide to how flavor changes from one region to the next, mapping the character of Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima, Niigata, Nagano, Nada, Fushimi, Hiroshima and other major producing areas.
From offerings to the gods to celebratory toasts among people—explore the profound and flavorful role that sake has played in Japanese festivals.
Explore the deep relationship between sake and Shinto through examples of rituals and festivals from ancient times to the present. Unravel the role sake has played from offerings before gods to naora communion.
Explore the deep connection between sake and Japanese annual events. From New Year's otoso to Hinamatsuri's shirozake to Obon offerings. Traditional and modern ways to enjoy sake through seasonal celebrations.
Complete guide to enjoying sake brewery tours. From booking to etiquette, questions to ask, and the best times to visit. Everything you need to make your first brewery visit a success.
Discover the world of sake cocktails. From classic recipes to easy home arrangements. Find new ways to enjoy sake.
As younger generations drift away from sake, the industry is finding new ways to connect. Discover what appeals to Gen Z values and the innovative approaches being taken.
Explore the current state and trends of sake exports worldwide. Discover popular regions, preferred styles, the background of export growth, and future outlook.
When and how did sake originate? Trace over 2,000 years of history, from primitive kuchikami-zake to modern craft sake.
SDG initiatives, reducing environmental impact, and coexisting with local communities. Discover how the sake industry is embracing sustainable brewing practices for today and tomorrow.
NFT ownership verification, token-based communities, and blockchain traceability. Explore how the sake industry is embracing Web3 technology.
Discover the toji, master brewers who lead sake production. Their role, history, regional schools like Nanbu and Echigo, and how modern toji are evolving.
Learn about 'World Sake' - Japanese-style sake brewed overseas. Discover breweries in the USA, Australia, France, and more, their characteristics, and how they compare to Japanese sake.