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Unveiling the Top 5 Most Expensive Sake Bottles

Prepare to embark on a journey through the world of sake like never before as we introduce you to the top 5 most expensive sake bottles. From the groundbreaking Reikyo Crystal 0 to the aged masterpiece of Masumi Yumedono Daiginjo 1971 Vintage, each bottle represents a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

September 18, 2023

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Sake Products and Brands

FEATURED

How to Import Japanese Sake: 9 Simple Steps

Importing Japanese Sake from abroad can be a time-consuming procedure often associated with regulatory challenges and communication barriers. Depending on the importing country you will require an import license and sometimes even to distribute the sake. But how do I get started?

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Import and Trade

FEATURED

What to Consider When Starting a Sake Brand: 7 Key Factors

There are a lot of options and things to consider when creating your own sake brand. This guide contains the 7 key factors and explains how you can create your own successful sake brand.

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Marketing and Sales

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Sake in Numbers: Breweries, Production, and Premium Trends

Explore Japan's sake industry: brewery counts, production trends, premium sake growth, and shift to Junmai sake. Dive into the details!

November 16, 2024

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Sake Market and Industry Insights

Japanese Sake Cost Breakdown

Discover the cost of Japanese sake, from rice and brewing methods to retail prices in Japan and the USA. Learn how sake pricing impacts sake quality and imports.

November 16, 2024

min read

Sake Import and Trade

Koshu: The Unique Charm of Aged Sake

Discover the unique charm of aged sake, or koshu, as we explore its aging methods, flavor transformations, and the captivating world of vintage sake.

October 26, 2024

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Sake Knowledge and Education

Maintaining the Cold Chain: Essential for Japanese Sake Quality

Discover the importance of cold chain management in importing Japanese sake. Learn how temperature control and innovative tracking ensure premium quality during transit.

October 26, 2024

min read

Sake Import and Trade

Complete Guide: How To Read Sake Labels

Learn how to read sake labels, including essential details like alcohol content, ingredients, and brewery info. Understand various terminology and labeling regulations for informed choices.

September 25, 2024

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Sake Knowledge and Education

Sake Exhibitions and Trade Fairs 2024: A Must-Attend for Importers and Sellers

Explore top sake trade fairs in 2024 to boost your business! Discover new sake breweries, trends, and networking opportunities at leading events like FOODEX Japan and ProWine.

August 28, 2024

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Sake Import and Trade

Complete Guide to Sake Palletization and Case Sizes

Sake is shipped using various container types, including dry, insulated, refrigerated, and ISO tank containers. The number of bottles per pallet varies based on bottle size and pallet type. For example, a standard pallet can hold up to 600-720 bottles of 720ml sake with 5 stacked case layers. Reefer containers are highly recommended to maintain consistent temperatures and protect premium sake.

August 21, 2024

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Sake Import and Trade

Top Sake Review Apps and Ranking Sites

Introducing the top sake apps and websites, including Sakenowa, Sakenote, and Sakenomy. Learn how these tools simplify sake ratings, reviews, and purchases for sake enthusiasts.

July 31, 2024

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

Become a Sake Brewer: Sake Making Classes in Japan

Learn how to brew sake at the best sake making experiences in Japan, including Kurabito Stay in Nagano and Gakkogura in Niigata. These sake making classes are the perfect opportunity to see behind the scenes of the sake brewing process.

June 5, 2024

min read

Sake Tourism

Sake vs. Japanese Sake: A Legal Definition

Understand the difference between sake and Japanese sake. Learn how nihonshu, also called Japanese rice wine, is defined under liquor tax laws.

June 5, 2024

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

Discover the Best Sakes: A Comprehensive Look at Top Sake Competitions

Discover the key sake competitions that provide invaluable insights for sake importers and alcohol professionals. Learn about top national and international sake awards that highlight the best sakes in the industry, potentially helping you boost your sake sales.

May 16, 2024

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

Seasonal Sake Through the Year: A Tasting Journey

Join us on a tasting journey through the seasons with this guide to seasonal sake. Understand the nuances of spring, summer, fall, and winter sakes—each reflecting the essence of its season through unique flavors and brewing techniques. Perfect for both novices and seasoned sake enthusiasts alike.

May 10, 2024

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

Sparkling Sake: The Japanese Champagne Experience

Sparkling sake, the effervescent cousin of traditional Japanese sake, is a refreshing and vibrant beverage that's gaining popularity worldwide. Discover the different types of sparkling sake, how they're made, and how to best enjoy this sparkling treat.

May 6, 2024

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

From Grain to Glass: Understanding Sake Rice Varieties

Discover the distinctive types of rice used in Japanese sake brewing, from the "king of sake rice" Yamadanishiki to the regional specialties like Omachi and Dewasansan. Uncover what sets these rice varieties apart and how they contribute to the nuanced flavors of Japanese sake.

May 6, 2024

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

How to Sell More Sake in Your Bar or Restaurant: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Sake Sales and Delighting Your Customers

Discover how to elevate your bar or restaurant with Japanese sake. From regional varieties and flavor profiles to food pairings and sake courses, learn how to offer an unforgettable sake experience for your customers.

May 5, 2024

min read

Sake Marketing and Sales

Complete Guide to Designing and Printing Sake Labels

Discover the art of sake labeling across five key formats: front, back, shoulder, neck, and sealing labels. Explore the common materials and sizes that are used for sake labels, from traditional Washi to modern UV ink printing, ensuring your sake stands out with elegance and information.

February 14, 2024

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Sake Marketing and Sales

Sake Export Market Overview For Sake Importers

The year 2023 brought a series of unique challenges to the Japanese sake industry, as seen in the recent data on sake exports and imports. Yet, the enduring global popularity of sake has shone through, with notable performances in different international markets. This article examines the trends in sake imports from Japan, providing an analysis of the changes in sake export figures over the last year.

February 12, 2024

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

20 Largest Sake Breweries in Japan

Explore the top sake breweries in Japan, where tradition blends with innovation. Brands like Hakutsuru and Gekkeikan lead the industry, showcasing the exquisite art of sake brewing.

January 8, 2024

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

Decoding Sake Import Costs: A Detailed Scenario

Dive into our guide on import sake costs, unraveling each step from brewery to US retail, including taxes, margins, and the impact of current favorable currency conditions.

January 7, 2024

min read

Sake Import and Trade

Top 10 Sake Brands in Japan for 2023: A Comprehensive Ranking

Explore 2023's top 10 Japanese sake brands from SAKETIME's ranking. Discover the best sake in Japan, premium sake brands like Aramasa, Juyondai, Jikon and more.

December 24, 2023

min read

Sake Products and Brands

How to Sell Sake to Wine Drinkers: Debunking 5 Common Misconceptions

Welcome to a guide on successfully introducing sake to wine enthusiasts. We'll unravel misconceptions, highlight parallels, and present a selection of sakes tailored to appeal to the discerning palate of wine lovers. Whether you manage a wine menu or want to expand your beverage horizons, we'll explore strategies to seamlessly integrate sake, enhancing your offerings and captivating the wine-drinking audience. Let's dive into the art of promoting sake to those who appreciate the complexities of a fine wine.

November 12, 2023

min read

Sake Marketing and Sales

What Does Sake Taste Like: Common Sake Aromas And Flavors

Explore the diverse world of sake, from Junmai to aged varieties, each offering a unique taste adventure.

November 10, 2023

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

Sake Import Code: HS Codes for Japanese Sake

The Harmonized System (HS) code is a universal classification system used to standardize the categorization of products traded internationally. It assigns a unique six-digit code to each commodity, facilitating international trade by simplifying customs procedures. In this article, we will explore the HS codes for various Japanese alcohols, with a special focus on Japanese sake.

October 9, 2023

min read

Sake Import and Trade

Sake Breweries To Visit From Tokyo

Explore the vibrant world of Japanese sake in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, home to over 91 registered sake breweries in key Kanto prefectures. From the rich heritage of Izumihashi in Kanagawa to the organic traditions of Seiun in Saitama, and the bold flavors of Fudoh at Nabedana in Chiba, these breweries offer a unique opportunity to savor the essence of Japanese sake and its centuries-old craftsmanship.

October 8, 2023

min read

Sake Tourism

Unveiling the Top 5 Most Expensive Sake Bottles

September 18, 2023

min read

Sake Products and Brands

Sake Breweries To Visit In Tokyo

Discover the hidden gems of Tokyo's sake world! Dive into the rich history and contemporary innovation of sake brewing as we tour Tokyo's top sake breweries. From the iconic Sawanoi in Ome to the artistic Konohanano Brewery in Asakusa, these destinations offer more than just a taste of Japan's beloved rice wine. Join us for an unforgettable sake adventure in the heart of Tokyo.

September 17, 2023

min read

Sake Tourism

Top 10 Sake Bars in Tokyo For Great Sake

Discover Tokyo's best sake bars with our comprehensive guide, featuring top spots from East to West Tokyo. Dive into a world where ancient tradition meets modern ambiance, and find your favorite sake bar experience in the Tokyo's vibrant landscape.

August 26, 2023

min read

Sake Tourism

Top 4 Sake Courses and Certifications

Whether you opt for the prestigious International Kikisakeshi, the globally acclaimed WSET Level 3 Sake, the specialized JSA SAKE DIPLOMA International, or the comprehensive Sake Professional Course, each sake certification offers distinct advantages and focuses on specific aspects for sake enthusiasts as well as for beverage professionals.

August 1, 2023

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

Sake Know-How: Must-Read Books, Online Materials, and Videos for Sake Professionals and Enthusiasts

We invite you to join us on a journey through the world of Japanese sake resources. Whether you're a passionate sake enthusiast, an industry professional, or someone intrigued by this rich Japanese tradition, we have handpicked a collection of exceptional materials to expand your knowledge. Within this blog post, we will delve into enlightening books, immersive podcasts, captivating videos, and enlightening online content that will enrich your understanding and foster a deeper appreciation for sake.

June 27, 2023

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

Private Sake Brands Changing the Sake Market (Updated)

Private sake brands are gaining popularity as a way for companies to offer a unique and exclusive product to their customers, with complete control over the brewing recipe, packaging, and labeling. These brands also offer higher margins, allowing for more investment in marketing and promotion, and have become a popular option for companies looking to differentiate their products and build a unique brand identity.

May 6, 2023

min read

Sake Products and Brands

A Guide to Sake Bottle Sizes: Why 720ml Has Become the Most Common Size

The 720ml sake bottle, also known as the Shigo-bin or Yongo-bin, is the most popular size sold at sake stores and supermarkets. Other sake bottle sizes include the 1.8l (1 Sho) bottle for large groups, the 180ml (1 Go) bottle for trying small amounts or small spaces, and the 360ml (2 Go) bottle for two people to share.

March 19, 2023

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Sake Knowledge and Education

The State of the Sake Brewing Industry in Japan: Survey Data Insights

The article discusses the current state of the sake brewing industry in Japan based on survey data from the National Tax Agency of Japan. The data reveals that over 56% of sake producers show no profits or minimal earnings, and over 50% of breweries are in the loss zone. The article also highlights the gap between big and small players, the trend away from seasonal brewmasters, and the higher margins and lower raw material cost ratios of larger breweries.

March 19, 2023

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

Discovering the World of Sake: Exploring the Top Sake Festivals in Japan

Attending sake events, such as Craft Sake Week, Washu Fesu, Nigata Sake No Jin, and Sake Jump, offers a unique opportunity to learn about and taste the best sake from Japan's renowned breweries.

February 12, 2023

min read

Sake Tourism

Japanese Sake Industry Looks Abroad: Partnerships and Expansion

This blog post covers three recent partnerships and initiatives in the Japanese sake industry, led by large industry players.

January 15, 2023

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

The Most Important Stakeholders in the Sake Industry

The sake industry is one of Japan's oldest and most renowned industries. In this blog post, we will look at five of the most important stakeholders in the sake industry, highlighting their roles and contributions to this unique industry.

December 3, 2022

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

Sake Yeast: 3 Common Yeast Strains

In sake brewing yeast is necessary for the alcohol fermentation - just like wine or beer. The strain of yeast used and how the fermentation is carried out directly influence the sake’s aroma and flavor profile. Knowing just a little about sake yeast can help you navigate through different sake types.

November 22, 2022

min read

Sake Knowledge and Education

White Label vs. Private Label Sake: Build Your Unique Sake Brand

Discover the key differences between white label and private label sake, and explore how these options can help you build a unique brand with tailored marketing, exclusivity, and premium positioning.

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Marketing and Sales

How to Import Japanese Sake: 9 Simple Steps

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Import and Trade

What to Consider When Starting a Sake Brand: 7 Key Factors

There are a lot of options and things to consider when creating your own sake brand. This guide contains the 7 key factors and explains how you can create your own successful sake brand.

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Marketing and Sales

Sake Export Market Statistics: Full Overview 2021

The Japanese alcohol market has seen a record year in 2021 and the exports in particular increased drastically. This growth in Japanese alcohol exports is mainly driven by strong exports of Japanese whiskey and Japanese sake.

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Market and Industry Insights

Trading Sake: Logistics Behind Importing Sake

When importing Japanese sake directly from Japan, you have various options on how to trade with your sake supplier and what shipping method you choose.

October 3, 2022

min read

Sake Import and Trade

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