sake cup

Where do our Sake lovers normally drink Sake? We presume most of our Sake lovers enjoy Sake in restaurants. But there may be those who would like to drink Sake at home with your family. However, those home-drinking Sake lovers may feel Sake does not taste as good at home as it does in restaurants. In this case, please pay attention to the sake vessel. You will be surprised how your impression of the taste will differ.

In this post, we will introduce the 3 rules set forth by a person familiar with sake vessels, Hanaoka-san of the Restaurant Sake Service Association of Japan. Accordingly, by taking these points into consideration, Sake lovers can take one step closer to achieving their ideal Sake taste!

Size


“Select the ochoko by your preference”

First, let us look at the size. There are two types to consider, the small ochoko-guinomi type and the “other” type. Because the amount of Sake is small in the ochoko-guinomi, taste is not impacted. Therefore, selection can be based on the design. And nowadays, there are many designs to select from! We also feel the fondness towards the sake vessel is a way for the Sake lover to enjoy Sake even more. Therefore, we recommend selecting a sake vessel according to your personal preference.

Ochoko Sake Glass Green Red Stripes

cold sake

Sake Kanji Sake Cup

cold sake
warm sake

Glass Sake Cup Asian Skunk Cabbage

cold sake

The other two rules concern the sake vessel type which is larger than the ochoko -guinomi (the “other” type). The sense of taste changes according to “material,” “shape,” and the length of drinking time, which affects the temperature changes as well.

Material


sake cup

“For sharpness, glass; for softness, ceramics”

The point here is to consider “how the Sake should taste” when selecting the material of the sake vessel. To concentrate on the taste of the Sake, glass. Glass allows the details of the flavors to be sharply experienced until the end. By pouring delicate Sake into a glass sake vessel with a plate of something like carpaccio, the appearance pairs as well as the taste. However, by pouring a strong flavored Sake into a glass cup, the Sake lover may become tired of the taste.

Usuhari Daiginjo Sake Glass 2pc Set

cold sake

On the other hand, when a mellow taste is desired, please select ceramics or porcelain. Contrary to glass, the material allows the taste to be mellow, a bit fuzzy. This allows us not to become tired of the taste. We recommend the deep flavored Yamahai or Junmai-shu.

Kutani Ware Sake Cup 6 Kind Cup Set

cold sake
warm sake

Nousaku Tin Sake Cup Guinomi (Small)

cold sake
warm sake

Shape


sake cup

“For sake vessels with a large opening, rich flavors. For small openings, a refreshing taste”

Similar to material, the “desired drinking style” should be examined when selecting the shape. When examining the shape, the opening (brim) is very important. When the opening is small, a refreshing taste; for large openings, the richness flows through. For a casual, light Sake session, where a large amount of Sake may be consumed, we suggest a long, vertical sake vessel. For a more profound Sake session when only a small amount of Sake may be consumed, but is savored while concentrating on the flavors, a sake vessel with a large opening is recommended.

Arita Ware SAKE GLASS Gold Coating

cold sake
warm sake

Arita Ware Sakazuki Set Gold & Silver

cold sake
warm sake

There is no reason to assemble all these types from the start. Begin with the items you have around your home, like cups, etc., to start to experience the differences in the taste. Enjoy!