Sake Tasting
Kikizake (Sake Tasting)
Trying out the taste of sake is called kikizake.
The kikizake method is as follows, from (1) to (3). At Hakutsuru, our products are sent to market after rigorous appraisal by a large number of outstanding experts.
(1) Pour sake into the tasting cup (kikichoko) until it is about 80% full, and first look for how clearly you can see the deep blue "snake eye" pattern on the bottom to determine color and clarity.
(2) Pick up the tasting cup and smell the aroma, then take a small amount into your mouth and roll it over your tongue to taste it.
(3) Notice how it feels as it goes down your throat, as well as the aftertaste in your mouth.