Sake tasting is a must when visiting Japan, but it can be daunting if you’re a beginner. Let our guide help you make the most of your tasting experience.

What is Sake?

Ask this question in Japan versus elsewhere, and you’ll get different answers.

In English, “sake” specifically refers to the iconic Japanese rice wine. However, in Japan, “sake” is a general term for any alcoholic beverage.

The proper term for what we know as sake is “nihonshu” (日本酒), meaning “Japanese alcohol.”

For simplicity, we’ll continue using “sake” in this article.

Origin and History of Sake

One of the most frequent questions we hear from sake lovers is, “When was sake first brewed?“

While no exact date exists, it’s widely believed that sake’s origins trace back over a thousand years to the Nara period (710-794 AD).

The 20th century

The 20th century brought significant changes to the sake industry due to World War II and the rising popularity of beer in Japan.

Despite these challenges, a renewed focus on traditional brewing methods has led to sake’s resurgence as a premium beverage.

Present Day 

Today, Japan has around 1,800 sake breweries, with the drink’s popularity spreading globally, leading to new breweries in North and South America, China, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

As sake continues to grow internationally, it remains not only a symbol of Japanese tradition but also a globally appreciated beverage, celebrated for its diverse flavours and deep cultural significance.

Sake and Japanese Culture

With your understanding of sake’s history, you can now appreciate how it evolved from a traditional drink to an international favourite.

Throughout this journey, sake has developed a special cultural significance in Japan, becoming deeply connected with the country’s customs and traditions.

Sake in Daily Life and Celebrations

In Japan, sake is more than just a drink; it enhances meals and strengthens social bonds.

It plays a key role in celebrations like weddings and New Year’s, symbolizing good fortune and happiness, and is central to traditional rituals like the “san-san-kudo” at weddings.

Sake in Religion

Sake holds spiritual significance in Japanese religious practices. In Shinto rituals, sake is offered to kami (deities) as a symbol of purity and reverence.

Mensho’s Sake Offerings

Beyond its historical and spiritual importance, sake is renowned for its wide range of types and variations, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

To become a sake expert, one would need formal training, but for now, we’ll focus on the essential types and classifications at Mensho.

• Hakkaisan: A product of the clear waters that spring from the Hakkaisan river system and its abundant natural surroundings. Known for its clean and well-balanced flavour, Hakkaisan is a versatile sake that pairs beautifully with a variety of ramen styles.

• Hakkaisan Sparkling: A sparkling nigori sake with a clean, crisp finish. It is recommended as an aperitif, but can also be served with rich-tasting dishes, spicy food and desserts such as fruit.

• Umeshu: A sweet and aromatic plum wine, Umeshu provides a delightful contrast to savoury ramen, offering a unique and pleasant end to your meal.

• Kitarou One Cup: This premium junmai ginjo sake boasts a refined, fruity flavour that pairs wonderfully with both lighter and more complex ramen dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

• Hakutsuru: A classic choice with a dry and mellow taste, Hakutsuru complements a range of ramen broths, providing a balanced and satisfying pairing.

• Denshin: This softly disappearing sake enhances the flavours of hearty ramen dishes, making it a great choice for more robust flavours.

• Mio (Sparkling): For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, Mio Sparkling sake offers a playful and refreshing pairing with our ramen.

From our overview, have you figured out which sake you’d like to sample?

How to Enjoy Sake

With your sake choice in hand, the real enjoyment begins: finding the best ways to savour it and elevate your drinking experience.

The next step involves deciding whether to enjoy it cold or hot, and selecting the appropriate type of glassware or cup.

Cold or Hot

Sake drunk over ice offers a refreshing complement to light ramen, while heated sake enhances the depth of richer broths, allowing you to savour the full range of flavours.

Glassware or Earthenware Cup

Choosing a wine glass emphasizes the elegance of the sake, enhancing its aromas, while a traditional earthenware cup offers an authentic, rustic touch.

Sake and Ramen Pairing at Mensho

In contrast to wine, which often requires thoughtful pairing because of its acidity and tannins, sake’s smoother acidity and lack of tannins make it a naturally pleasant match for various foods.

However, among a wide array of flavours, textures, and food groups to complement, sake shines particularly when paired with ramen, making this combination stand out from the rest.

To enhance this exceptional pairing, at Mensho, we embrace a farm-to-bowl philosophy, ensuring that every bowl of ramen is crafted from the freshest, locally sourced ingredients for an authentic and delightful dining experience.

Our menu features a diverse selection of ramen dishes, each made with premium, farm-fresh vegetables, tender meats, and rich, flavourful broths.

If the idea of pairing sake with ramen excites you, these guidelines will help you refine your culinary experience:

Harmonise Flavour Intensity

• Luxurious, creamy broths (e.g., Toripaitan Ramen): Complement these rich, velvety flavours with a full-bodied sake such as Junmai or Junmai Ginjo. These robust sakes enhance the broth’s depth, creating a seamless blend that amplifies the overall richness.

• Subtle, delicate broths (e.g., Shoyu or Shio Ramen): Opt for a more delicate and aromatic sake like Ginjo or Daiginjo. Their refined notes gracefully accentuate the subtlety of the broth without overpowering its nuanced flavours.

Contrast Flavours

• Fiery ramen (e.g., Spicy Lamb Miso Ramen): Balance the heat with a slightly sweet or fruity sake such as Hakutsuru. The sweetness tempers the spice, while the fruitiness introduces a refreshing contrast that enlivens the palate.

• Nutty ramen (e.g., Macadamia Tantanmen): Enhance the nutty richness of this dish with the aromatic and sweet profile of Umeshu. The plum wine’s fruity notes bring out the macadamia’s flavour, creating a unique and memorable pairing.

Final Thoughts

The best way to truly appreciate sake is to drink it. So head to Mensho and explore different options—you might uncover a type and pairing that you love.