In this blog post we briefly highlight the historical importance of sake in Japan. And, last but not least, what exactly is sake...?
Japanese sake, also known as nihonshu in Japan, is a traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. Its production differs greatly from other fermented drinks such as wine and beer, with sake's fermentation process including a unique step called 'parallel fermentation' . This method ensures that the conversion of rice starch into sugars and the fermentation of these sugars into alcohol take place simultaneously.
The quality of sake is affected by several factors, including the type of rice used, the water, the climate of the production area, and the skills of the toji (sake brewmaster). There are different types of sake, varying in taste, aroma and alcohol percentage (but in principle always between 12% and 16% alc.vol.), from light and fresh varieties to rich and complex styles.
The History of Sake
The origins of sake date back to the Yayoi period (300 BC - 300 AD), when rice culture was brought to Japan from China and Korea. The earliest form of sake was likely a result of natural fermentation, in which people fermented rice, water, and kōji (a fungus that produces enzymes to convert rice starch into sugars) in wooden barrels.
Over the centuries, sake production developed, with the introduction of more advanced brewing techniques in the Nara period (710-794) and the Heian period (794-1185). It was during the Heian period that sake became a ceremonial drink in the imperial court and in Shinto rituals, a custom that continues to this day.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), sake production reached a peak of sophistication. Technological advances and the stabilization of society under the Tokugawa shogunate led to the development of new brewing techniques and the improvement of the quality of sake. Sake was consumed not only by the samurai and aristocracy, but also by the common people, making it an inseparable part of Japanese culture.
The oldest sake brand in Japan is 'Shirayuki' (white snow). This sake has been brewed since 1550 by the Konishi family in the city of Itami (Hyogo prefecture). Shirayuki is a reference to the pure, eternal snow on Mount Fuji , Japan's highest mountain peak.
Know more? Send us an email at info@flexum.be
Tasting? You will find a nice selection of premium Japanese sake at www.landofsake.com or contact us for a private tasting at your home!
Kanpai!