How to Taste Sake for Beginners

Familiar with the steps to tasting wine? Then you’re well on your way to tasting sake like a pro, too!

The tasting techniques for sake are very similar to wine. It all comes down to sight, smell, and the palate. That is paying attention to how the sake looks, its aromatic profile and intensity, and then assessing its dominant flavours and how it carries itself on the palate.

So if the tasting techniques of sake and wine are so similar, does that mean they taste similar too? Well, the overall ‘shape’ of sake on the palate tends to hold a slightly different form than wine.

Wine has more acidity than sake, meaning it has more of a sour and refreshing taste on the palate. Sake also tends to have a higher alcohol level than wine, and paired with its lower acidity makes it feel broader on the palate. Sake also doesn’t have tannin. So overall, sake tends to be more milky and smooth than wine.

Sight--wines

Look at the sake in the glass. What is it that you are looking for? Much like wine you are accessing colour and clarity. which is why we recommend using a wine glass so you can let the light shine through for a real clear visual.

Is it transparent or cloudy? Cloudy sake indicates that the sake was unfiltered, and this may add an extra depth in texture.

This can provide clues about the style and brewing techniques that may have been used.

Is it as transparent as water, or does it have a slightly green or yellow hue? Or possibly even amber?

If the colour is darker and more amber, it's a sign of aging, and if it’s super dark, it might be oxidised and not in good condition for drinking.

Smell--aromatic

Next is all about getting to know the aromatic profile. It’s best first to swirl your glass to allow some oxygen to breathe through the sake which will enhance its aromatic expression.

Then nose dive into the glass and assess the sakes intensity and aromas

Intensity: How fragrant is it? is it subtle, delicate or subdued? Or perhaps on the other end of the spectrum, pronounced, intense and bold?

Aromas: What do you smell? You don't have to know the precise notes. But consider what the dominant character is. Fruity? Floral? Or perhaps more creamy, herbal or spicy? Also unlike wine, some sake will have a “cereal” smell, which can also be described as “ricey” or grainy.

If it's fruity, can you identify what type of fruits it smells of? Common fruit smells for sake tend to be more in the ripe melon, banana, and lychee spectrum, but also citrus, apple and ripe pear are common.

Palate--strawberry

Now we’re ready to experience the sake in full!

Take a small sip, savour the sake in your mouth, and then swallow (or spit if you’re going to taste quite a few).

What do you taste and how does it feel on your palate?

Taste:

Do you notice the same dominant character from the nose coming through as flavour on the palate? or is it led by another trait instead? Or layers of multiple?
A defining trait of Sake is its ‘umami’ taste. This can be quite savoury.

Feel (Structure):

You can access the structure like wine but forgo the tannins and instead access its overall texture.
Sweetness: is it dry or is there some sweetness?
Body: is it light and delicate or rich and mouth-filling?
Acidity: how much does it make your mouth water? The more it does, the higher the acidity.
Alcohol: do you feel any warming sensations near the back of your palate? The warmer, the higher the alcohol. *Note: Sake often contains more alcohol than wine. And the level of alcohol will also contribute to the body (higher abv% = fuller body)
Texture: how does the sake feel on the palate?
Common descriptors would be things like soft, fluffy, milky, creamy, rich, dense, bulky, chewy, punchy, broad

Final Analysis--pizza

After you’ve tasted the Sake, consider its balance, complexity, and overall harmony. And most importantly, do you like it?

It’s best to take notes on your impressions of the sake to help you remember your tasting experience. Even if it’s just giving the sake a simple score out of 5.

Sake can vary greatly in terms of concentration, intensity, and power. Some styles are highly concentrated and intense, while others are more delicate and refined with an emphasis on elegance. There are also sakes that are fruity and round, with a charming flavour profile. With so many different styles and flavours to discover, it's hard to pick just one favourite, so we recommend you taste them all!

About the Author

Meet Alex Tanner – a sommelier with a passion for both wine and the great outdoors. Whether it's après-ski on a mountaintop or camping deep in ancient woodlands, foraging along the way, Alex believes nature’s treasures are best enjoyed with the perfect glass of wine (or two).