Embarking on the fascinating journey of Japanese sake can seem intimidating, but we're here to guide you. At Sorakami, we've carefully curated a selection of five exceptional sakes that are perfect for beginners. These sakes offer a spectrum of unique tastes and styles, promising to provide an engaging and enjoyable introduction to this cherished Japanese tradition.

 

1 - Oka "Cherry Bouquet" Ginjo by Dewazakura

Hailing from Yamagata prefecture, Dewazakura's Oka "Cherry Bouquet" Ginjo is a delightful start to any sake journey. This light and dry sake offers a floral bouquet with hints of pear and melon, a soft feeling on the tongue, and a pleasing transparency of flavour. It's best served with seafood salads or fresh oysters, making it a versatile choice for a dinner party​.

 

Perfect For Sophisticated Seafood Lovers who enjoy delicate flavours, has a preference for seafood, and appreciate a well-crafted drink. They frequently dine at sushi restaurants or enjoy preparing seafood dishes at home. With its light and dry taste, floral bouquet, and hints of pear and melon, the Oka "Cherry Bouquet" Ginjo is the perfect complement to their seafood meals, especially seafood salads, white fish, clams, and fresh oysters​.

 

 

 

 

2 - Masumi Yawaraka "Sake Matinée" Junmai by Miyasaka Brewery

Our next recommendation is the light and sweet Yawaraka "Sake Matinée" Junmai. Produced by Miyasaka Brewery in Nagano Prefecture, this sake is named "Shiro" after a soft white cloth made from tree bark, reflecting its light and buoyant character. With mild aromas of banana and apple and a gentle sweetness, it's an easygoing companion to any meal. Don't worry too much about food pairings with this one - it's like a family friend, always welcome at the table and agreeable glass after glass​.

 

Perfect For Easygoing Socializers who enjoy the communal aspect of dining and drinking and don't want to fuss over the details. They value versatility and are looking for a sake that pairs well with a wide range of foods. The Yawaraka "Sake Matinée" Junmai is their ideal sake, with its light and sweet taste, mild aromas of banana and apple, and its easygoing nature that makes it a welcome companion to any meal.

 

 

 

 

3 - Koshi No Kanbai Sai "Blue River" Junmai Ginjo by Ishimoto Brewery

Next up is Koshi No Kanbai Sai "Blue River" Junmai Ginjo, a product of Ishimoto Brewery in Niigata prefecture. This light and dry sake is a modern expression of the crisp and clear Niigata style but with a unique umami imprint that sets it apart. With its subtly aromatic and satisfying finish, it pairs well with umami-rich seafood​.

 

Perfect For Umami Enthusiasts with a refined palate and who appreciate complex flavours, particularly the savoury taste of umami. They are likely a fan of seafood and enjoy exploring different regional styles of sake. The Koshi No Kanbai Sai "Blue River" Junmai Ginjo, with its crisp, clear Niigata style and satisfying umami imprint, will undoubtedly appeal to their taste buds​.

 

 

 

 

4 - Origarami Sparkling by Miyasaka Brewery

If you're looking for something a little different, try the Origarami Sparkling by Miyasaka Brewery. This is a unique type of naturally sparkling sake with a rich and sweet taste. Similar to "pétillant naturel" wines, this sake is fermented in the bottle and sold unfiltered, combining crisp bubbles and wine-like acidity with the creamy and savoury richness of sake. It pairs well with champagne fare and oysters, making it an excellent choice for celebrations or casual parties​.

 

Perfect For Celebration Connoisseurs who enjoy a good party and are always looking for something unique to bring to the table. They are likely fans of sparkling wines and enjoy the combination of crisp bubbles and rich flavours. The Origarami Sparkling, with its natural effervescence and wine-like acidity, is the perfect choice for adding a "pop" to their celebrations and casual gatherings​.

 

 

 

 

5 - Takashimizu Junmai by Akita Shurui Seizoh Brewery

Last but not least, we recommend the Takashimizu Junmai by Akita Shurui Seizoh Brewery. This light and dry sake from Akita prefecture has subtle aromas of sweet rice and a clean finish. Great, either chilled or warm, it pairs well with seafood, sushi, sashimi, and light salads, making it a versatile choice for any meal​.

 

Perfect For Versatile Foodies who enjoy a wide range of foods, from sushi and sashimi to light salads. They appreciate a sake that can pair well with a variety of dishes without overpowering their flavours. The Takashimizu Junmai, with its light and dry taste and subtle aromas of sweet rice, is a versatile choice that complements their diverse culinary preferences​.

 

 

 

 

Remember, the world of sake is vast and varied. Each sake brewery has its own unique brewing methods and characteristics, which contribute to the distinct flavours and aromas of their products. As you delve deeper into your sake journey, you'll discover a wide range of sakes to suit your individual palate. Enjoy the journey, and kanpai!