We’ve fallen in love with pretty much every type of booze under the sun. Be it real ale, Scotch, tequila, orange wine or ouzo, we’ll happily sample any tipple. But one alcoholic beverage we’ve still yet to try is sake – a Japanese fermented rice wine. But that’s about to change with National Sake Week taking place next month (April 15 to 21) with several events happening in Birmingham.
What does sake taste like?
Yes, we understand that “fermented rice wine” doesn’t sound appetising, but sake is well-known for generally offering a smooth, light and clean palatability. Like many alcohols, however, there is a broad range of flavours, which National Sake Week a tantalising opportunity to learn more about sake – an underappreciated and low-consumed drink in the UK.
What is happening for National Sake Week in Birmingham?
National Sake Week has been set up by renowned sake expert and Birmingham’s very own Samuel Boulton – who used to work at The Pineapple Club. It’s set to be the UK’s largest celebration of Japanese sake and shochu (a traditional Japanese spirit). The week-long celebration will span multiple cities with many events happening here in Birmingham.
“National Sake Week represents an exciting opportunity to showcase the beauty and complexity of Japanese sake to a wider audience,” Samuel Boulton, Founder of National Sake Week. “We’re thrilled to bring together enthusiasts, industry professionals, and newcomers alike for a week of exploration, education, and celebration.”
Join the Sake Club for a tasting of the legendary Miyasaka Brewing Company at Fox & Chance (April 16). Or head to Grain & Glass (April 19), for an exclusive ‘Barrels of Japan’ event offering guests an immersive experience into the traditional wooden barrel ageing techniques unique to Japan. Finally, a sushi and sake paired lunch is being held in the newly opened Japanese live music venue Mooncat (April 21).
More events will be revealed soon, but expect a varied mix of tastings, workshops, and expertly curated pairings and cocktails at up to 50 bars and 25 events in the UK. To learn more and see what else is on head here.