Cold sake offers a world of varying tastes and aromas, depending on factors like temperature and the type of sake container. In this article, we'll explore how to enjoy cold sake best and introduce some recommended products available exclusively at Sakura Town.
CONTENTS
The Appeal of Cold Sake
Top Cold Sake Brands
Exclusive Cold Sake from Sakura Town
Best Cold Sake for Sushi
Which Types of Sake Shine When Served Chilled?
The Effects of Temperature on Cold Sake
Exploring Different Types of Cold Sake
Pairing Cold Sake with Food
Delve into the World of Cold Sake
The Appeal of Cold Sake
Most people think of alcoholic beverages as best served cold; many people worldwide enjoy sake chilled. Interestingly, sake is unique among alcoholic beverages for its suitability to drink at various temperatures. You can savor it like a sorbet, drink it at your preferred temperature, or even enjoy it piping hot.
The term "cold sake" encompasses a range of temperatures, each producing interesting differences in aroma and taste. In this guide, we'll share insights on appreciating the depth and complexity of cold sake, along with some top picks from Sakura Town.
Top Cold Sake Brands
Two of the world's most famous sake brands you can enjoy cold are Dassai and Kokuryu.
- Dassai is made from the king of rice, Yamada Nishiki, and is best enjoyed cool. Its aroma spreads softly in the mouth, becoming more floral and fragrant. It's ideal for hot summers, with the recommended temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.
- Kokuryu is known for its rich rice flavor and full-bodied taste, yet it is also easy to drink with a pleasant sharpness. It pairs well with meat dishes and cheese; the recommended temperature is 10-15 degrees Celsius.
If you're a fan of Dassai, try DaiginjoThe. This unforgettable sake has a clear mouthfeel without any cloying taste, offering only deliciousness.
For those who enjoy Kokuryu, we recommend No Nature No Life. Made with rice grown without pesticides or fertilizers, the rice's flavor is concentrated due to the power of nature and microorganisms. This sake is a must-try for health-conscious individuals.
Learn more about No Nature No Life
Exclusive Cold Sake from Sakura Town
Let's introduce some sakes you can only get at Sakura Town and enjoy cold!
As Fruity As Possible
This sake is recommended for beginners and is best enjoyed cold. It has a fruity taste, even though it's made only with rice. Chill it in the refrigerator and drink it in a wine glass.
Learn more about As Fruity As Possible
KAMIHOTOKE
This sake recreates a 500-year-old recipe with little or no rice polishing and uses natural yeast. The finished sake has a beautiful amber color and is so delicious that it has a loyal fan base of Shinto and Buddhist priests.
Learn more about KAMIHOTOKE
Sake de Swan
This low-alcohol sake is designed to be enjoyed with food. It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors and is especially good with meat dishes. Serve it chilled at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius on the rocks.
Best Cold Sake for Sushi
Hotaru is a sake that pairs wonderfully with sushi, one of Japan's most popular dishes. Made from pesticide-free rice and ultra-soft water from the Japanese Alps, it enhances the sushi's flavor. Enjoy it chilled at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Hotaru is crafted from the finest rice, which is grown by only a select few farmers and cultivated in the same manner as the rice used to make high-grade food presented to the Emperor.
Which Types of Sake Shine When Served Chilled?
Sake boasts numerous flavors and characteristics, each with an optimal temperature range that brings out its best qualities. Serving sake cold can accentuate the best features of many varieties.
Cold sake is refreshing by nature. As sake's temperature rises, its distinctive sweetness and other flavors become more pronounced. If you're not a fan of these more robust notes or are new to sake and want a beginner-friendly option, it's best to start with cold sake.
Sakes with a well-balanced blend of sourness, sweetness, and a fruity and alluring aroma are ideal for drinking chilled. If you're selecting sake based on scent, consider trying Kun-shu or Soshu.
- Kun-shu has a fruity and floral aroma, but it may develop sourness and bitterness if it's too cold. Aim to drink it at around 10°C (50°F) for the best experience.
- Soshu offers a fresh, cool, slightly subdued aroma, perfect for those who enjoy a crisp taste. This sake can be enjoyed at temperatures between 5 and 10°C, as its acidity and bitterness remain balanced even when served cold.
The Effects of Temperature on Cold Sake
Just as with warm sake, cold sake can be enjoyed at different temperatures, each offering a unique sensory experience. At lower temperatures, the mouthfeel becomes tighter, the sweetness and umami lighten, and the acidity becomes more apparent. Sakes with bitter or astringent flavors will exhibit more potent and pronounced tastes when served cold.
When served warm, a sake with a robust rice flavor will present an intense rice aroma and taste. However, slightly lowering the temperature will result in a less pronounced aroma and a more elegant, delicate taste. If you're curious, try the same sake brand at various temperatures, from cold to heated to very warm. You'll undoubtedly discover something new and exciting.
Exploring Different Types of Cold Sake
Did you know that sake has specific names for different temperatures? Chilled sake has a designated name for every 5-degree Celsius interval, as shown in the image below.
It's important to note that "chilled"(Hiya) refers to sake at room temperature (around 20°C), while cold sake at about 5°C is called "cold sake"(Reisyu). Many Japanese people may not know this, but to truly appreciate the depth of sake, you should pay attention to the temperature range. Be sure to order sake at specific temperatures at restaurants and bars. There's also an intriguing way to enjoy sake called mizore, colder than yukihie. It is liquid before pouring but becomes sherbet-like after you pour it. Look up how to make mizore and give it a try!
Pairing Cold Sake with Food
Cold sake pairs well not only with Japanese cuisine but also with dishes from around the world. Bright and fruity sake complements crisp seafood dishes, while deep-aroma and rich-flavored sake go well with Chinese cuisine. Light and refreshing sake pairs perfectly with vegetables and tofu, and natural-flavored sake with a rich rice taste pairs nicely with hearty meat dishes. Pairing is a personal choice, so explore and find the dish that best suits your tastes!
Delve into the World of Cold Sake
Has your perception of cold sake changed? Sake is a drink with a truly fascinating world. There may be no other beverage whose taste, aroma, and name change depending on the temperature. Why not take this opportunity to explore the fragrance and flavor of sake, which varies significantly depending on the region of production and the type of rice used? You'll undoubtedly be captivated by the world of sake!