Seasonal Sake Tasting - Spring

Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, which influence all aspects of life. Spring is a highlight of the calendar, renowned for the spectacular displays of sakura cherry blossoms. As soon as the trees start blooming people go out to picnic under the gorgeous flowers, and sake drinking is an essential part of this annual hanami flower-viewing tradition.

Spring sake styles reflect the season and are typically fresh and easy-drinking. Cloudy sake (nigorizake) is popular at this time of year, as is taruzake: sake stored in cedar barrel to impart a beautiful mild woody note. The sake-brewing season is in full swing this time of year, so unpasteurized shiboritate (sake bottled straight off the press for maximum freshness) is another firm favourite. We will explore all these styles and more!

This class will be great for everyone from sake novices to aficionados and includes a tutored tasting along with a Powerpoint lecture covering spring seasonality in Japan and the unique elements of sake enjoyment at this time of year.

On the evening you will taste six different spring sake across a variety of styles, accompanied by fine cheeses and Japanese-influenced nibbles including a handmade seasonal cherry blossom (sakura) wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet).

This class will be great for everyone from sake novices to aficionados, and includes a tutored tasting of six sake and a presentation covering autumn seasonality in Japan and the unique aspects of sake enjoyment at this time of year.