Enjoying Sake: The Basics
The beverage for all occasions
The methods for enjoying sake are as numerous as the many styles of sake!
Formal ceremonies, weddings, holidays, birthdays, you name it - there's a sake for every vibe.
So here are a few ways you can get the most out of your sake experience:
How to Drink Sake: A Reminder
There is no right or wrong way to drink sake! It is often enjoyed in carafes with small porcelain cups, but can be served in wine glasses, or just regular cups. Its complex flavor and higher ABV make it perfect for sipping and pairing with all types of cuisine.
The big takeaway: just have fun with it. Follow the traditions below and find ways of making them your own!
Enjoy Together + serve others first
Sake is made for sharing, so don't sip alone! Community and service are also deeply engrained in sake culture, so when you're planning to drink sake, pay attention to how much is left in others' cups before you attend to your own. Attending to others' needs first and offering service reflects both thoughtfulness and appreciation for their presence.
Sip With The Seasons
The production of sake is intimately tied to the seasons, which also serve as a natural signal for how the sake can be enjoyed best. A hot summer day calls for a chilled sake, something floral - like a junmai daiginjo! And a cold winter's night is the perfect pair for a warmed cup of junmai karakuchi genshu.
Drink It Fresh
Sake is a freshly brewed alcohol and is always best when drank as soon as possible. Many bottles will have "bottled-on" dates and while they maintain a good shelf life, are typically not aged.
Find Fresh SakeMake a toast!
In Japan, when you make a toast, you say 'kampai'—it's basically a way of saying 'cheers.' Even though 'kampai' literally means 'dry the cup,' no one actually expects you to down it in one go. There's no pressure to finish it all at once; it's totally fine to just take a sip and enjoy at your own pace. Kampai, y'all!
Enjoy Together, Enjoy local
Time to put your knowledge into practice! Grab a bottle or a bundle of Virginia's only handcrafted sake. Kampai!