As the national beverage of Japan, sake (also known as Japanese rice wine) has made an impact around the world, including the United States. This should come as no surprise since sake is delicious and refreshing. Fortunately, you don't need to travel around the world to try it.
Nationwide Liquor brings the experience of enjoying sake right to your door because Nationwide Liquor allows you to buy sake online. We carry some of the best sake brands available and are here to help you choose the best sake for you.
Still hesitant to take the plunge? Learn more about sake and you might just discover your new favorite spirit.
Sake is a fermented rice drink made from polished white rice, water, yeast, and Aspergillus oryzae, a type of mold that breaks down the rice. Sake is typically aged for at least a year and is about 20% alcohol by volume.
The history of sake dates back almost 2,000 years when the process of fermenting rice into wine and other beverages was brought to Japan from China. By the 8th century, the process of making sake became more refined, but its availability was controlled by the Imperial Court. Much like matcha, sake was reserved for special ceremonies, and the production and distribution of sake were highly regulated. It wasn't until many years later that sake became more widely available. Techniques for the distillation of sake were fine tuned between the 12th and 17th centuries with many of the same techniques in its preparation still being used today.
Sake is usually clear and comes in a wide variety of flavor profiles. Some sake brands are more floral and crisp tasting, while others are deeper and more earthy. Other brands flavor their sake with apple, cherry blossom and other fruity flavors. Sake is similar to wine in that you can't truly judge a specific sake until you taste it.
Sake can be served warm or cold. The difference in temperature is related to the quality of the sake. A good rule of thumb when you're enjoying sake is: lower quality sake is best served warm or hot, and higher quality sake is best served chilled. This doesn't mean a higher quality sake can't be enjoyed warm, but the heat may cause the flavors to become muddled.
More often than not, sake is served as is, as opposed to being in mixed drinks and cocktails. Usually, it's served in traditional sake cups and carafes at Japanese restaurants, but special glassware isn't required to enjoy sake. If you would like a more traditional sake tasting experience at home, you can find sake cups and carafes at Asian markets and online.
If you want to buy sake online, Nationwide Liquor is your go-to source for the best sake brands.
No matter your flavor preferences, there's sake for you. HeavenSake Junmai Daiginjo is a bright, fruity sake created by a French winemaker and a Japanese sake brewer, giving you a light, crisp experience that can't be replicated. Narutotai Ginjo Nama Sake comes in a can and tastes delicious when served warm. Finally, the Ty-Ku Coconut Nigori Sake is silky and rich with flavors of coconut and vanilla, perfect for feeling like you're on the beach.
When you go to buy sake online, remember Nationwide Liquor — your one-stop shop for some of the best sake available at affordable prices!
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