A growing trend
Have you been binging the new Shōgun series? The epic drama on the rise of warlords, samurai, and feudal Japan connects to a growing interest in Japanese traditions. Simultaneously, we see enthusiasm for Japan’s historic sake market, tying into health-conscious lifestyles and curiosity about Japanese culture and cuisine. The global sake market has grown enormously, climbing from $9.28 billion in 2023 to $9.76 billion in 2024, projected to reach $12.02 billion in 2028 and beyond. Sake constitutes an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice that contains about 14-16% alcohol. The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS), which currently markets to 75 countries, is actively working to expand the reach of sake further. The first Japanese-organized sake business meeting will take place this year in Hungary. The JSS has joined forces with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale to run masterclasses worldwide, including Canada, Mexico, and Ecuador. The Association recently partnered with Union de la Sommellerie Francaise in February for a pairing dinner at Saisons, a Michelin-starred restaurant at Lyon’s Institute Lyfe. The event mixed six sake breweries and French-awarded sommeliers. Curious about all the buzz? Read on!
Sustainability and the best sake to buy in 2024
Have you become curious, and would you like to see the sake-making process? Check out this Original Fare video, exploring ancient traditions blended with modern techniques in crafting Japan’s revered sake, from the Hyogo countryside to Kobe City. Plump, yellow-gold sake rice requires hand-harvesting in the autumn and needs to wait until winter to brew. The starchy rice gets washed and placed in a steaming vat. Every day, the vat’s temperature differs as the rice condition differs. Thus, the living art of sake-making. Fermentation and investment in advanced technologies are modernizing processes, increasing sustainability, and reducing environmental impact. Kenbishi, featured in the OF video, once loved by shoguns and sake makers since 1505, got featured in Miyamizu Sake in October 2023. While Mizuho Yamahai Junmai Sake has aged two years in Japanese tradition, the rich brew shares characteristics with single malt whiskies or even sherry, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and roasted nuts. The modern sake loves to pair with roasted duck, charcuterie, or smoked meats. You can also procure Kenbishi sake, brewed in Hyogo, through the Discovery Japan website.
For some, the quest for the perfect sake becomes an eternal pursuit, a journey where tradition meets innovation, and craft becomes honored above all. Opumo recently delved into seven exceptional bottles, each a testament to the artistry and dedication of sake makers. Each features special nuances, flavors, and stories that make them unique. One that the magazine highlights, Kokuryu Ryu Daiginjo, can count as one of the best sake bottles you can acquire due to its elegance and depth. To quote, “This spirit boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, characterized by hints of melon and pear, making it a delightful companion for an exquisite dining experience.” Hailing from Niigata, Kubota Manju Junmai Daiginjo got revered for its crisp, clean taste and hint of green apple. A masterpiece of precision, this sake highlights the region’s pristine water and craftsmanship.
Sake Events & Tours:
How can you sample and discover your favorite sake bottles? In New York, The Joy of Sake returns in April at The Metropolitan Pavilion for the 18th celebration of 578 labels from Japan and the United States. Sake-themed appetizers from top New York restaurants add to the enjoyment, along with unlimited sake samplings. For an authentic journey, consider Sake Tours during peak sake season, November 11th-15th. This behind-the-scenes trip focuses on the people who grow, cook, brew, and create the sake market, along with Japan’s related traditional arts and crafts. This video showcases the experiences one might have. Still, depending on your planned tour, you can embark on a ramen crawl through Hakata, Kyushu, or visit a pottery master’s studio.
Let’s raise a glass to the best sake, celebrating a timeless elixir that continues to captivate an audience of connoisseurs worldwide. Comment your favorites below!
