January’s Fun Elements of Sake Class

Last night was my first sake teaching gig of the new year and we had a really fun Elements of Sake class at Astor Center. We were sold out to capacity and the weather was damp and drizzly, but students arrived excited and happy to learn more about sake.

As I introduced myself to students before class, I learned that for at least 3 couples attending, one spouse had given the class to the other spouse as a holiday present! How fun is that? Whenever I start my class, I take a quick survey and ask students how much exposure they have had to sake. As is usual, the majority of students responded by saying, they really love good sake when they try it, but don’t know much about sake in general. My ideal students!

This class we tried 7 sakes to give everyone a survey of basic sake types. Here is what we tried last night.

• Daishichi Classic Junmai
• Daishichi Honzojo
• Tsukasabotan Senchu Hassaku Tokubetsu Junmai
• Dassai 50 Junmai Ginjo
• Dassai 50 Junmai Ginjo Nigori
• Norutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu
• Wakatake Junmai Daiginjo

Of the above Sakes, Wakatake Junmai Daiginjo and the Norutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu were both well liked by the students. The Wakatake had a few more fans and came out on top as class favorite in the final voting. This class was a sharp group and asked some fantastic questions when we discussed sake ingredients and the sake production process.

I had a blast teaching and this really got my New Year off to a great sakelicious start. We enjoyed some fantastic sake together and had some fun along the way. If you would like to attend a Sake class at Astor Center for yourself (or as a gift for your spouse!), please book early to ensure your spot. Please visit either the Elements of Sake Level I or Elements of Sake Level II page to enroll. I look forward to meeting you in a future class! Kanpai!