World Sake Sommelier Competition | February 20, 2025 (Finalist)

    ☙  Winner’s Announcement Finalists & Prize  ❧ Announcement Day – February 20, 2025 (After the final) Prize details are as follows: 1,000,000 Japanese Yen (Approximately $6,507.05 USD as of July 24th, 2024) The latest Sake Cellar – *Please note, image may be used as reference only* Imaging Rights Sake School of America and […]

Brewery Spotlight: Katsuyama Shuzo | May 2, 2024

Date Time Registration THU 5/2 5pm PT | 8pm ET CLICK Here Guests: Euka Isawa (Brewery Representative), Kaoru Tomoyoshi (Kaoru Sake and Beyond) Our spotlight travels to Katsuyama Shuzo, the revered maker of the Katsuyama sake label. Established in 1688 in Miyagi prefecture, Katsuyama was appointed by one of Japan’s most famous military commanders and […]

Brewery Spotlight: Yaoshin Shuzo (Gangi) | Mar. 26, 2024

Date Time Registration TUE 03/26 5pm PT | 8pm ET CLICK Here Guests: Hisashige Kobayashi (President and Managing Director), Kaoru Tomoyoshi (Kaoru Sake and Beyond) Our spotlight highlights Yaoshin Shuzo, the famous makers of Gangi sake. Located in Yamaguchi prefecture, Yaoshin was founded in 1877 along the “gangi”, or stone stairs that run alongside the […]

Building Your Career in Japanese Sake

Congratulations, you’ve decided to become a Sake Specialist! Or maybe you like drinking Japanese sake with friends and want to know more about your sake options. We help students of all backgrounds choose courses. What course pathway is right for you?     I’d like to know more about Japanese Sake because I enjoy it. […]

Brewery Spotlight: Katoukichibee Shouten (Born) | Feb. 26, 2024

Date Time Registration MON 02/26 5pm PT | 8pm ET CLICK Here Guests: Atsuhide Kato (President & CEO), Mr. Hirasawa (System Engineer & Chief Clerk), Kaoru Tomoyoshi (Kaoru Sake and Beyond) Our spotlight is back and brighter than ever with Katoukichibee Shouten as the star. Located in Fukui prefecture, Katoukichibee Shouten has produced top-notch sake […]

Taste Test: Contrasting the Flavor Profiles of Sake and Soju

Soju and sake are two popular Asian alcoholic beverages that have gained global recognition in recent years. While they may appear similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between these two drinks in terms of production methods, taste profiles, and cultural significance.  In this article, we will delve into the difference between soju and […]

Bubbles and Bliss: Discovering the Delightful World of Sparkling Sake

Sparkling sake, a refreshing and lightly effervescent variation of traditional sake, started to gain popularity in Japan around the early 2000s. Before this period, it was an obscure drink enjoyed by only a small number of enthusiasts. This sudden interest in sparkling sake steamed from Japanese breweries’ innovative marketing strategies at the AWA. For instance, […]

From Chilled to Cozy: Exploring the Different Sake-Warming Techniques

Sake warming, known as ‘kanzake’ in Japan, is a traditional technique that brings out the rich flavors and aromas hidden within this esteemed beverage. This process isn’t merely about heating sake; it’s an art form steeped in cultural significance.Interestingly enough, sake wasn’t always served chilled. The custom of warming sake dates back to the 8th […]