Description
Hold the Introduction to Sake workshop at a time and place of your choosing, just for you and your friends!
(Group of up to 8 people in or near Zurich, Switzerland)
Want to explore sake but don’t know where to start?
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the different classes and styles so you can select sake with confidence, either to drink by itself or to pair with food.
You’ll also try the classes and styles in two tasting sessions – the perfect chance to cement what you’ve just learned through experience and maybe find a new favourite!
You will:
- Find out what sake is – and what it is not
- Learn how raw materials, brewing, processing and ageing affect flavour profile and price
- Sample a range of sake selected to give an overview of the different classes and types
- Have fun in a small, friendly group guided by an expert
- Finish with an understanding of how to select, store, pair and serve sake!
The workshop will cover:
- The legal classifications for sake and what they can tell you about aroma and flavour
- Tasting with four examples of the legal classifications
- Identifying aromas and flavours and writing tasting notes
- How processing and ageing create a range of styles
- Tasting with four different styles
- Storing and serving sake, including what to serve it in and at what temperature
- How to pair sake with food – including which sake goes with chocolate!
- Choosing the best places to buy or order sake
- Plus ask any questions you have in a relaxed small group setting
BONUSES!
- Details of the sake you tried so you can get it again or identify similar ones
- List of where to drink sake in Zürich and where to buy locally and online
- Pocket Guide with class and style names in Japanese and English for future reference
To prepare:
- Eat before the tasting. You’ll be served approximately 30 ml x 8 samples of sake with an average alcohol content of 14-16%. (You’re welcome to taste and spit as well, but so far no-one has!)
- On the day of the tasting, avoid using any perfume, cologne, or strongly scented hair/body products as they may affect your sense of smell. (Or affect the sense of smell of those around you.)
- Also avoid strong flavours such as tobacco, coffee or spices just before the tasting as they may affect your ability to taste.
- Other than that, just bring yourself and any questions you have about sake!
Notes:
- Private workshops are normally available on weeknights and weekends in Kanton Zurich, for groups of up to 8 people. Please contact me if you would like to hold a workshop at another location or time.
- Private workshops must be booked at least two weeks in advance to allow time to order sake if required.
- The venue must either be a home or other private space, or a bar/restaurant with a license to sell alcohol over 15%.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- The tasting lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- You provide water, enough space for everyone to sit comfortably with glasses and notes in front of or beside them, and space in the fridge or other cooling for 5-6 small bottles (usually 300 ml).
- I bring the rest! (Including glasses, but you can use your own wine or other glasses if you wish.)
- Let me know at the time of booking if any member of the group has food allergies or dietary requirements (specifically for bread and chocolate)
- The workshop must be paid for in full at least two weeks in advance, by bank transfer, TWINT or credit card.
- Cancellation: If the event is cancelled up to two weeks in advance, the full amount will be refunded. If cancelled up to one week in advance, 50% of the cost will be refunded. If cancelled less than one week in advance, no refund.
If you have any questions, want to check availability or need to find a venue, please contact me!
