What Does Sake Taste Like? A Sake Sommelier's Perspective
One of the most common questions we encounter as sake sommeliers is, "What does sake taste like?" or "How can I describe the taste of sake?". Those are questions that do not come with a straightforward answer, primarily because the world of sake is incredibly diverse, making it challenging to predict its flavor and aromas solely based on the label. However, the good news is that there are some general guidelines to help you navigate the complex world of sake.
Influence of the Polishing Ratio: The polishing ratio plays a crucial role in shaping sake's flavor profile. Sake with a high polishing ratio (e.g., <60%) tends to have a lighter body and boasts fragrant notes reminiscent of fruits like bananas or apples. On the other hand, sake with a lower polishing ratio (e.g., >60%) offers a full-bodied experience with bold flavors, enhanced umami, and a touch of acidity, often accompanied by grain or rice notes.
Influence of Storage and Aging: The age of sake significantly impacts its taste. Freshly released sake, such as unpasteurized shiboritate, is known for its vivid and sharp characteristics, sometimes accompanied by a touch of astringency. In contrast, aged sake presents a heavier and rounder impression, featuring prominent umami and acidity, with delightful accents of nuts or honey.
Influence of Pasteurization: The pasteurization process also leaves its mark on sake's flavor profile. Unpasteurized sake, known as Namazake, offers a fresh and sometimes effervescent experience, with spicy, herbal, and lactic elements. Pasteurized sake, labeled as Hiire, imparts a calm and settled impression, often graced with elegant fruity to floral notes, depending on other contributing factors.
Influence of the Fermentation Starter: The choice of fermentation starter can significantly influence sake's taste. Sokujo-moto, a common starter, results in a simpler profile with less acidity and settled flavors. In contrast, Kimoto or Yamahai fermentation starters yield a more complex and acidic character, featuring bolder flavors and distinct lactic elements.
In summary, the taste of sake is a multifaceted journey, offering a wide range of flavors and characteristics that cater to diverse preferences. Exploring sake with an open palate and an appreciation for its intricate nuances is the key to truly understanding and savoring this exquisite Japanese beverage.
Common Aromas & Flavors in Sake
The more common aromas and flavors of sake can be categorized as follows:
Fruity & Floral: Sake often showcases a vibrant array of fruitiness, with notes of apple, pear, banana, melon, and strawberry gracing your palate. On occasion, you'll encounter tropical fruit characteristics like pineapple, mango, or lychee. Citrus notes, such as mandarine, lemon, or orange, also make their presence felt. These fruity components owe their existence to the aromatic esters released during fermentation, primarily by the sake yeast.
Herbal: Another fascinating group of aromas includes herbaceous and spicy notes. Some sake varieties offer a delightful blend of herbs, fresh grass, or hints of white pepper, among other spices. Aniseed, clove, and fenugreek are additional spices that may grace the sake's aroma profile.
Lactic: The lactic category presents elements reminiscent of yogurt, butter, cream, and cheese. These components often stem from lactic acid, either naturally produced during the fermentation starter's creation or intentionally added.
Cereal: Given that sake is crafted exclusively from rice and koji rice, it's natural to expect a cereal category. Depending on the sake, you may encounter notes of grains, cereal, steamed rice, porridge, and even the distinctive essence of koji fungi itself.
Sweet & Nutty: Aged sake takes you on a unique journey into the realm of sweetness and nuttiness. Similar to the aging process of whiskey or wine, the Maillard reaction imparts a rich yellow hue and bold flavors and aromas. Expect delightful profiles reminiscent of roasted nuts, honey, dried fruits, brown sugar, or even hints of soy sauce. Generally, the longer the sake is aged, the more pronounced these captivating profiles become.
Using the Sake Aroma Cheat Sheet
The Sake Aroma Cheat Sheet is a valuable tool that can enhance your sake-tasting experience and aid you in crafting insightful sake taste descriptions. Whether you're a seasoned sake connoisseur or just beginning your sake journey, this cheat sheet offers valuable guidance. Here's how to make the most of it:
Personal Orientation: When savoring a new sake, use the cheat sheet as your compass. As you swirl, sniff, and sip, refer to the sheet to identify the aromas and flavors that dance across your palate. This will help you appreciate and understand the intricate nuances of each sake you encounter.
Tasting Notes: If you're keen on sharing your sake discoveries with others, the cheat sheet is an invaluable resource. It provides a structured framework to describe the aroma components and flavor profiles commonly found in sake. Whether you're writing tasting notes for a blog, sharing your experiences with friends, or working as a sake sommelier, the cheat sheet ensures your descriptions are informative and accurate.
By using the Sake Aroma Cheat Sheet, you can unlock the hidden depths of sake and embark on a sensory journey that brings to life the rich tapestry of aromas and flavors that this revered Japanese beverage has to offer.
