Do you want to know more about sake but aren’t sure where to start?
I’ve been there too.
This post is filled with resources to help native English speakers on their sake journey. I include informative books, professional courses, influencers to watch, and more. So whether you’re an enthusiast or a budding pro, I hope you find something that helps you grow.
Some of the links on this post are to affiliate advertisers. I earn commission on purchases made through these links that support this blog.
What is a Sake Samurai?
Sake Samurai are both devoted to and protectors of sake. The Japan Sake Brewers Association Junior Council created the term.
It’s an honor bestowed upon people outside of Japan that champion sake. Many of them are superb educators. And there are several Sake Samurai listed in this post.
I use the term literally and figuratively here. You don’t become an expert overnight. It takes dedication and persistence.
This post isn’t a course on becoming a literal Sake Samurai. But if you follow in their footsteps and learn from them, good things will happen.
Informative Sake Websites and Podcasts
The quickest path to learning about sake is right in front of you. There are several solid websites with trustworthy information written by experts.
Sake-World
Sake education icon John Gauntner created this site. You’ll find several references to him throughout this guide. If you want to learn about sake, this is my top recommended free resource.
You’ll find some great introductory info on Sake World. And if you want to dive deeper, his blog has an incredible wealth of information.
The Society of Nada Sake Research
This website has an epic sake glossary. It’s authored/translated by another sake legend: Philip Harper. I’ve been using this website for years and still use it today.
The content on this site is more advanced. If you’re new, start with Sake World.
Sake Times
Sake Times is a beautiful digital magazine highlighting all things sake. They cover topics from introductory to more advanced subjects. And their weekly sake newsletter is the best on the internet.
Urban Sake and Sake Revolution
Urban Sake was my go-to source for sake brand info when I was starting out. And it’s just as useful today.
Creator Timothy Sullivan leveraged his epic website into sake stardom. He’s been honored as a Sake Samurai and is a brand ambassador for Hakkaisan sake. But he still maintains Urban Sake’s database admirably.
If there’s a sake you want to know about, Urban Sake probably covers it. And if you look deeper, there’s a great depth of knowledge on this site, as well.
And if you want to go deeper into the world of sake and education, Timothy also created and cohosts the famed Sake Revolution podcast.
Origin Sake
Origin Sake is probably my favorite sake blog right now. Author Andrew Russell has been in Japan for years making sake at some impressive breweries.
If you want a peek into the life of a sake brewery worker (kurabito), this is the site for you. Origin Sake also covers some advanced subjects and famous sake brands.
Books to Learn About Sake
You can learn a lot from the websites I listed above. But books offer a more structured learning experience. The books below can give you an educational foundation you can build on for the rest of your life.
John Gauntner’s Books
As much as I recommend Gauntner’s website Sake World, I recommend his books even more. His Sake Handbook is the ultimate introduction to sake. He covers topics from beginner level to intermediate. If you were to get only one book about sake, this is the one I’d recommend.
Sake’s Hidden Stories is for more advanced readers. It provides a window into the sake brewing world and has a journalistic style. Once you’re past sake 101, this is a must-read.
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The Book of Sake: A Connoisseurs Guide
Philip Harper is the author of The Book of Sake. It’s another informative book that can get you to an intermediate level of knowledge quickly.
I particularly like Harper’s discussion of sake temperature, pairings, and service vessels which have great practical value. His thoughts on sake regionality are also useful.
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Professional Education
Even books have their limitations, and that’s where formal sake education comes in.
Studying and lots of tasting are the key to developing expertise. Sake education courses and certifications can speed up this process. Plus, you’ll be introduced to some amazing people along the way.
This isn’t the path for everyone, of course. But if you love sake or work in the food and beverage industries, the following programs should be considered.
The Sake School of America
The Sake School of America (SSA) is the leading sake and shochu educational organization in the US. The Sake Service Institute International officially endorses the SSA. And they’re the largest sake sommelier organization and certification program in Japan.
I highly recommend learning from the Sake School of America. Their instructors are a who’s who of the country’s most talented sake experts. And they offer courses and certifications from the Sake Service Institute, WSET, and the prestigious Japan Sommelier Association.
The Sake School of America provides the ultimate sake (and shochu) education.
John Gauntner’s Sake Professional Course
The only serious competition to the SSA comes from John Gauntner, of course. He’s been offering his sake professional course since at least 2003! And the hardest working Westerner in the sake business is still going strong today.
John Gauntner’s Sake Professional Course is great for enthusiasts and working professionals looking to gain an edge.
Sake Retailers
Finding sake in the US has never been easier. Traditional retailers are stocking more sake every year. And more recently, some large online retailers have begun shipping to much of the country.
It’s a great time to be a fan of sake.
Online Retailers
It’s hard to beat online sake retailers. For huge swaths of the country, they might be your only option. And you can track down exactly what you’re looking for from the comfort of your home.
The main downside of shopping online is waiting for the product to arrive.
Tippsy Sake
Tippsy has only been around a few years, but they’re already the country’s best online sake retailer. They have a huge selection, great pricing, and they store their products with the utmost care.
Full disclosure: I’m an affiliate for Tippsy and earn a commission if you shop through my link. It won’t cost you anything, but it supports this blog.
That said, I’d be crazy not to promote them. They’re simply the best.
Take a look at Tippsy’s amazing sake selection and tell me you’re not impressed.
Wine-Searcher
Wine-Searcher is my second favorite place to track down bottles after Tippsy Sake. They don’t sell the products themselves. Instead, they partner with retailers and promote their inventory.
This website is great if you know the exact sake you’re looking for. Simply search for it and browse retailers that are selling it. Many of them will ship to you. And sometimes, the participating retailer is nearby, and you can go pick up the sake right away.
Wine-Searcher doesn’t pay me, unfortunately, but I still recommend them for finding sake online.
Drizly
Drizly partners with local retailers and delivers alcohol to your door. They don’t operate everywhere, and their sake selection is at the mercy of your local market.
Drizly might not always have what you’re looking for, but they make up for this with speed. Instead of waiting days for your sake to arrive, you’re waiting minutes or hours. They also carry a lot of other alcoholic beverages, which is a bonus.
I’m an affiliate for Drizly and earn commissions when you shop through the following links. You can check out Drizly’s sake selection here.
Brick & Mortar
More and more traditional beverage retailers are carrying sake. If you’re in a big city, there are likely many options nearby.
True Sake
True Sake is the first sake retailer in the country. And they’re still the most famous.
They have a pretty good selection, and they keep their products fresh. If you’re a sake enthusiast and in San Francisco, you must check them out.
Sakaya
Sakaya is another venerable sake retail shop. But they’re on the opposite end of the country in New York City. I’ve never been there, but I admire them from afar. And they have a very large selection.
Other Brick & Mortar Retailers
Big-box liquor retailers like Total Wine, Binny’s, and BevMo! often have decent selections of sake. Make sure to check bottle dates and pass on anything old (> 1 year old). Lots of light is the enemy of sake.
Japanese and Asian grocers like Uwajimaya, Mitsuwa, and H Mart can have impressive sake selections. But again, check the bottle dates.