Sake Questions Flashcards
When did sake production begin? When was the first written record of sake?
Sake production began in the 3rd century BC. Fudoki was the first written record in 713.
What is kuchikami-no-sake?
Mouth chew sake
In what period did clear sake begin being produced? Why?
During the Edo period, filtration was developed which led to Sumisake / Seishu (names for clear sake).
What is the name for sake and when did it debut to the world?
Nihonshu, or “Japanese Sake” is the name when sake was debuted to the world in 1873 at the Vienna Int’l Exposition.
What is the kyubetsu-seido?
Kyubetsu-seido is a taxation system established for sake based on ‘grade’ and fully flawed. It was abolished in 1992 and replaced with the Tokuteimeishu system based on rice milling percentage.
What is jizake?
Jizake is local, artesanal breweries.
What are the alcohol percentages required for sake?
min 1%, max 22%
What is shuzo-yosui?
Shuzo-Yosui is the water used during sake making. It is 20x more the volume than rice (50x more for Ginjo!).
Which minerals in water are detrimental to sake production?
Iron and Manganese adversely affect the color and flavor of sake.
Which minerals are measured to determine the hardness of water?
Calcium and Magnesium
How is rice produced in Japan? When is it harvested?
Japan uses wetland cultication for growing rice. Rice is harvested in September.
What is the “official” terminology for “sake rice” in Japanese?
Shuzokoutekimai: rice for sake brewing (Japonica), 100 different varieties.
What % of rice production does sake rice account for in Japan?
Only 1% of rice produced in Japan in sake rice. Only 3% of all rice in Japan is used to produce sake.
Which rice is the “grandfather of rice”? Where was it from and when was it discovered?
Omachi, 1859. found in Okayama, earthy style
What is the most common sake rice? Where was it developed and when?
Yamadanishiki, found in 1923 in Hyogo, very flavorful
