When Bamboo Magazine Food for Thought Writer and inyourmouthtoronto.com founder Ken Samuel invited me to sample premium sake, I was expecting that warm tasteless broth I’ve drunk in the past. I was a little reluctant, however, not being one to turn down a drink I was willing to reacquaint myself with the Japanese spirit over casual conversation with a close friend. Wielding my glass I saluted my fellow debauchee and poured the sake into my mouth. Pausing to process the complex flavours delighting my palate I thought . . . Wow!! I absolutely love this stuff!!
Why the sudden change of heart? Speaking with Ken over several more delicious glasses of premium sake this is what I came to learn. The stuff they serve in most sushi restaurants is bogus sh*t! Premium sake is made from no more than a handful of ingredients and should have a faint fruity nose and a light sweetness to the taste.
If you're looking to buy a bottle and want to avoid "sucky" sake, here are some helpful hints to make an informed decision:
Namazake= Unpasteurized sake. Very rare. This is what you want to order if restaurants have it. A must try!
Daiginjo= Premium quality sake. Considered the pride of every brewery. Highest quality!
You can purchase premium sake in Ontario at most local LCBOs or if you really want to impress someone with a unique experience, take a trip to Toronto’s Distillery District and sample eastern North America’s first Artisan sake brewery. Hone your sake palate by the glass or bottle at the Ontario Spring Water Sake Company.
