Shukuu Izakaya
Rated one of the best sake bars
Shukuu Izakaya
Rated one of the best sake bars
Hello, I’m Mario from Shukuu Izakaya and I'm sharing with you some tips for Sake appreciation that I picked up on my recent trip to Japan! At Shukuu, we are always discovering hidden secrets about the culture of Sake drinking and sharing them. I hope you'll find these tips useful and come on a journey to discover more about Sake with me!
As part of Japanese social culture, if you aren’t drinking alone, sake should be served to you. When your friend pours the sake (or if you wish to request a refill), do hold your cup up closer towards him or her. Don’t forget to return the favour for your drinking mates!
Following these steps ensures that the speed of the alcohol going down your throat is kept smooth and consistent, dispersing the sensation of dryness evenly at the chest. Regardless of vessel size, you are encouraged to down at least a half-mouth full at each interval so don't just sip on your Sake due to curiosity and doubt as passing judgement from a sip is usually inconclusive to the Sake’s overall taste and intentions.
Throughout the history of Sake, earthenware has played a huge part is defining the art and culture of appreciating the drink we love. Ceramics and other forms of pottery kilning are often preferred as the best for savouring Sake. Even after technology introduced glass and lacquer as alternative materials, Japan still favoured the craft of their tradition vessels. At Shukuu, we aim to merge the best of both worlds into your cup of Sake, bringing together ancient festivity and modern socializing. Here are Shukuu’s choices:
As a modern brew type, Daiginjos and Ginjos feature the use of modern yeast, mostly with floral scent. The concept of a wine glass is complementing in enhancing your Sake with an aromatic experience. In Shukuu, we recommend a hybrid option that conforms to traditions better - a rounded Guinomi!
The nature of savouring warm Sake encourages a comfortable drinking pace, but the Sake goes cold if you wait too long! With the use of Sakazuki, a smaller volume vessel, the problem of losing temperature is lessen. The flatness of the cup also gives the tasting a more balanced mouth feel. Shukuu’s favourite material for warm Sake is Tin metal, the best in heat conductivity! Since tin is a rather expensive material, ceramics is a great second option.
Enjoying your Sake with food is our preferred daily lifestyle at Shukuu. Regardless whether it’s a rich Sake or light Sake you are drinking, nothing compares to an ochoko in terms of overall balance. It is lightweight, provides an ideal amount of aroma, and has enough volume for each interval of tasting.
