Sake Glassware
Does the vessel from which you drink sake really matter?
Yes! Glassware shapes and sizes can significantly impact the drinking experience, affecting the appearance, aroma, taste, and texture of the drink. There are crucial variable that should be considered in selecting the appropriate glassware to match your sake type.
A wider and larger bottom can increase oxidation, temperature, and aroma evaporation.
A narrower bottom can better maintain the sake’s temperature, and the wider rim leading to increased oxidation and rapid aroma release.
A flared rim can allow liquid to enter the mouth more broadly
A narrow straight rim can produce a more tapered entry into the mouth.
A narrow lip can trap aroma, and with an elongated shape, can better hold temperatures and display the sake’s appearance.
A bowl-shape with a smaller rim diameter can effectively hold aroma and reduce oxidation, resulting in a narrower stream of sake flowing into the mouth.
A wider tulip shape can increase the stream width, highlighting the acidity of the sake.
A narrow lip can help retain the aroma of the drink and reduce oxidation, if the glass has a bottom indentation, the content increases its surface area exposure, thus precipitating temperature changes.
Selection by Sake Type
Aromatic Sake
Glass with a wide opening like ones used for white wine
Small sake glass with wide opening
Use a champagne glass for aromatic sake
Rich Sake
WINTER
Enjoy rich or thick sake (Junmai/Honjozo type) better by using a choko, a pottery sake cup, to serve it hot.
SUMMER
Serving sake in thin glasses during the summer is also viable.
Aged Sake
Enjoy aged sake using a brandy glass as it captures the rich aroma
Other Ways to Serve Sake
Chilled sake during summer
Warmed sake during winter