Let’s be honest—most Vancouverites haven’t experienced premium Japanese saké as much as wine or beer.
(We’re in that camp as well.)
And when people do encounter it, it’s often the cheapest bottle available at the sushi restaurant, which is often a poor first impression.
(our first time it tasted like paint thinner)
Nor is it customary to bring a bottle of saké to a house party or to gift a bottle for a special occasion.
The lack of exposure and experience with Japanese saké is the main culprit of being hidden in our local culture and customs.
However, if you take a crash course on saké—as we did at yesterday’s event hosted by the National Tax Agency (Japan), the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver, and Saké Samurai Patrick Ellis—you will learn that Japanese saké is actually way less complicated to pair with food compared to wine.
It also has a diverse range of flavour profiles similar to other alcoholic beverages.
It is the reason why French chef Joel Robuchon – who at 32 MICHELIN Stars and named “chef of the century” – fell in love with saké and even opened a store in Paris to promote the alcohol.
That lack of exposure to premium Japanese saké experience is something the Japanese government is well aware of.
This is why they’ve launched the Premium Japanese Saké Campaign, where 18 of Vancouver’s top restaurants and cocktail bars are participating, offering exclusive saké flights and pairings until November 30th.
List of participating restaurants & cocktail bars:
- Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio Ambleside [Saké Flight]
- Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio False Creek [Saké Flight]
- Archer [Saké Pairing & Flight]
- Bravo [Saké Pairing]
- Dachi [Saké Pairing]
- Fanny Bay Oyster Bar [Saké Flight]
- Grapes & Soda [Saké Flight]
- House of Dawn [Saké Flight]
- JU Restaurant [Saké Flight]
- Kissa Tanto [Saké Pairing]
- Magari by Oca [Saké Flight]
- PIER 7 Restaurant + Bar [Saké Flight]
- Published on Main [Saké Pairing]
- SUYO Modern Peruvian [Saké Pairing]
- The Keefer Bar [Saké Flight]
- The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant [Saké Pairing]
- The Victor [Saké Pairing & Flight]
- Zarak Afghan Kitchen [Saké Flight]
During yesterday’s event launch, we had the chance to taste 7 premium sakés paired with small bites, and were encouraged to mix and match the pairings ourselves.
These aren’t just any saké options—these are the finest Japanese sakés, ranging from sparkling varieties to junmai ginjo (with at least 40% of the rice polished away) and even yuzu-infused sakés.
In the crash course, Saké Samurai Patrick Ellis shared various interesting advantages Japanese saké has, which many people might not know about.
For one, it’s more food-friendly than you’d expect, thanks to its high levels of umami, and it offers an incredible diversity of flavours.
From floral and fruity to rich umami notes, sake can suit any palate and any dish.
It’s also incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it cold, room temperature, or warm, depending on your mood and meal.
Plus, unlike wine, a bottle of saké can last longer in the fridge after being opened, offering more opportunities to explore its flavours.
Add to that its pure ingredients and lack of gluten, sulfites, or histamines, and it becomes an appealing alternative to other alcohols, especially for those looking for cleaner options.
The best part of this campaign is that Vancouverites can experience multiple premium Japanese sakés together, allowing them to see the different flavour profiles, compare them, and discover a style they prefer.
Just like with wine, you may find yourself gravitating towards one style or category over others, and this is your opportunity to do the same with Japanese saké.
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