Events Lifestyle

Sake’s New Era: Blending Ancient Craft with Modern Flair

Dive into the Rich World of Sake with Sydney’s Exciting ‘Bringing Sake to the Table’ Campaign.

Get excited! Sydney is abuzz with the unique ‘Bringing Sake to the Table’ campaign, a celebration of the traditional Japanese beverage, sake, showcasing its versatility and ability to pair with a myriad of dishes. Running through February and March, events include free sake tastings, seminars, and a special Symposium and Business Networking event. These events provide a fantastic opportunity for Sydney residents and visitors alike to explore the delightful pairings of sake with a variety of Australian dishes and discover new ways to enjoy sake beyond the traditional.

The Rich History of Sake

Before delving further, let’s appreciate sake’s historical journey. Sake, often referred to as nihonshu in Japan, is made from fermented rice and has a storied past dating back to the 8th century. Originally connected with Shinto rituals, sake was brewed in temples and shrines. The brewing process evolved over centuries, with advancements in rice milling and fermentation techniques. Today, sake is celebrated worldwide, not just for its cultural significance but for its diverse flavour profiles and food pairing capabilities.

Known for its elegant flavour, ranging from light and delicate to rich and robust, its diverse options set it apart from other alcoholic beverages. Sake has an extraordinary ability to pair seamlessly with any dish, whether it’s a home-cooked meal, a casual gathering with friends, or a lavish dinner at a fine dining establishment, making it the perfect dining companion.

Image: NATIONAL TAX AGENCY JAPAN

The Events

A highlight event of the sake campaign was ‘Embracing the Unique and Diverse Potential of Sake’, featured Marie Chiba, a renowned Sake Sommelier and Sake Samurai, and owner of EUREKA!, a highly acclaimed bar in Tokyo. Chiba’s expertise in sake pairing and her passion for the beverage are unmatched, making her the perfect choice to guide guest through a sake and food pairing.

Attendees experienced the magic of food and sake and learnt how different sakes complement various flavors. First, a lavish chicken katsu sandwich was presented with a glass of Fukucho Seaside Sparkling Junmai, offering a combination of fruity and citrus undertones. A delicious ham and blue cheese cutlet was paired with Shirakawago Junmai Nigorizake Dekitate Nama, a cloudy, chestnut-flavored sake. This combination highlighted how the richness of the sake balanced the saltiness of the ham and the sharpness of the blue cheese. A mackerel and orange bruschetta found its perfect match in the light, fruity notes of Senkin Modern Kameno-o sake. This sake enhanced the freshness of seafood while adding a subtle sweetness to the palate.

The evening concluded with a daring combination of chocolate and sake semifreddo with Furousen Yamahai Shikomi Junmai Ginjo Shiga Tosen Nama sake. The robust, nutty, and chocolatey notes of the sake created a stunning harmony with the rich dessert, offering a complex and simply delicious taste experience. Pure tastebud perfection!

But it wasn’t just all great food and delicious sake, the evening also featured the Australian premiere screening of Kampai! Sake Sisters!, a documentary film highlighting the growing influence of women in the traditionally male-dominated sake brewing industry. The film, along with an insightful panel talk offered attendees a deeper understanding of sake’s unique and diverse food pairing potential.

Image: NATIONAL TAX AGENCY JAPAN
Image: NATIONAL TAX AGENCY JAPAN

Making Sake a Staple in Your Drinks Cabinet

Sake’s versatility goes beyond traditional Japanese cuisine, making it an excellent choice for various dishes, from appetisers to desserts. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, sake offers a unique and sophisticated touch to your dining experience. It is the perfect staple to add to your drinks cabinet.

‘Bringing Sake to the Table’ offers free tastings and educational events across Sydney, including World Square, Top Ryde City and select liquor stores during February and March. For more details and updates including event information, registration and how to get involved, visit https://www.sake-news.com.au/bringing-sake-to-the-table/.

This is a unique opportunity to delve into the world of sake and discover how it can transform your meals and become a regular in your drink repertoire. Kanpai!

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