Sake is a chief staple in Japanese cuisine just like sushi, ramen, and tempura. Some people have little to no knowledge of what this simple yet robust drink is all about, so here's everything you need to know about Sake.
1. Most important fact: it's pronounced as sah-keh, not sah-ki.
2. It's made from 4 simple ingredients: rice, water, yeast, and koji-- an enzyme-producing mold. Unlike wine, Sake is free of sulfites and it has 5 times less acid, so it's easier on your stomach.
3. Wanna try something else besides Japanese food for dinner? No worries! Sake goes great with other cuisines as well since the taste is flexible for the palate.
4. It's known as the earliest alcoholic drink in the world, dating as far back as 4800 BC. It actually originated in China but it was utilized more by the Japanese people. It was also known as "The Drink of The Gods" since it was linked to various religious ceremonies and traditions.
5. Contrary to wine, Sake is best taken at a young and fresh point. It should be taken around 2 years of brewing so the quicker you consume it, the better!
6. It's best enjoyed when the Sake has been chilled and is served in stemware, just like wine. Once you open a bottle, it should be consumed within the week.
7. O-Shaku is the tradition of pouring Sake into someone's cup (and vice versa) as a sign of respect and friendship. It's a good drink to enjoy with your friends or even on a date.
8. They use two different kinds of rice when making Sake, they use either Kouji Mai or Kake Mai. Kouji Mai is rice made especially for Sake brewing, while Kake Mai is regular rice that was used during brewing.
9. All premium Sake come in two categories: Junmai-shu, which is regular sake distilled with the four ingredients; and Honjozo-shu, which is sake with a hint of distilled alcohol added.
10. These classifications are based on the degree of milling of the rice grains. The more rice added, the more fats and proteins are removed, and the price increases as well.
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