The type of rice used in sake production plays a crucial role in determining the flavor profile. Sake rice varieties, such as Yamada Nishiki and Gohyakumangoku, are carefully selected for their starch content and brewing characteristics. ¹⁾

To make sake, rice grains are polished to remove the outer layers, leaving the starch-rich core. The degree of polishing, measured as the rice polishing ratio, influences the quality and style of the final sake. ²⁾

Sake is classified into various categories based on the brewing process and ingredients. Junmai, Honjozo, Ginjo, and Daiginjo are common classifications, each with specific brewing standards. ³⁾

The Sake Meter Value is a scale indicating the sweetness or dryness of sake. A positive SMV indicates dry sake, while a negative value suggests sweetness. The scale ranges from +15 (very dry) to -15 (very sweet). ⁴⁾

Sake can be enjoyed at various temperatures, and each temperature brings out different flavors. Chilled sake (reishu) is refreshing, while warm sake (atsukan) can enhance the ricey and umami notes. ⁵⁾

The quality of water used in brewing significantly impacts sake flavor. Regions with renowned water sources, like Fushimi in Kyoto, are celebrated for producing excellent sake. ⁶⁾

After pressing sake, the remaining solids are called sake lees. Sake kasu is a byproduct used in various culinary applications, including pickling and flavoring soups. ⁷⁾

Traditional wooden barrels made of cedar or cypress were once common for aging and storing sake. While modern breweries often use stainless steel tanks, some maintain the tradition of using wooden barrels for a distinct influence on flavor. ⁸⁾

Sake festivals, known as “Sake Matsuri,” are celebrated across Japan. These events showcase different breweries, allowing visitors to taste a variety of sake and learn about the brewing process. ⁹⁾

Sake is said to have a “sake haruka” or a distance that enhances its aroma. Pouring sake from a height is believed to aerate and improve its fragrance. ¹⁰⁾

Sake has religious significance in Shinto rituals. It is often used in ceremonies and offerings to deities. The ritual of sharing sake, called “san-san-kudo,” is common in weddings. ¹¹⁾

Specific yeast strains are crucial in sake fermentation. Sake breweries often guard their yeast strains as a trade secret, contributing to the distinct character of their sake. ¹²⁾

In 2015, the Unicode Consortium added a sake bottle and cup emoji (🍶) to the official emoji set, recognizing the cultural importance of sake around the world. ¹³⁾

In ancient Japan, sake was sometimes produced through a method called “kuchikamizake,” where rice was chewed and spat into a container, allowing natural enzymes in saliva to initiate fermentation. ¹⁴⁾

The traditional sake brewing season, known as “sakaba,” typically runs from autumn to early spring. During this time, cold temperatures aid in the fermentation process, producing high-quality sake. ¹⁵⁾