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Essential Sources on Japanese Sake

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Everything you need to know about sake is right here.  These are sources I used to learn about sake and earn my Sake Advisor and Sake Professional Certifications.
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Books

Authoritative resources on sake

 
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This book covers all the sake basics.  If you read only one book, make it this one.
The Sake Handbook: Become a Sake Expert
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Whether you're a sake novice or expert, read this book for fascinating insights, practical tips, and memorable stories
Exploring Japanese Craft Sake: Rice, Water, Earth
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Two dozen deep-dive essays by the world-renowned expert from a connected insider's perspective
Sake Confidential: Guide to Tasting & Selection
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“Nihonshu” is the official Japanese word for sake.  This book is for true sake nerds, who want to dive deeper than a deep dive into how sake is made
Nihonshu : Japanese sake
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Courses

I earned my certifications taking these courses

 
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Take John Gauntner's online and in-person courses to earn a Certified Sake Professional or Advanced Sake Professional certification.  Tell him I sent you and get a discount.
Online & Live Sake Professional Courses
 
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This is where I earned my basic Sake Advisor certification
Sake Adviser
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My videos

My @ChefsApprenticeJohnHornick YouTube videos cover making, understanding, tasting, and cooking with sake

 
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This tutorial covers everything you need to know to order sake in a restaurant or pick a bottle in a shop
Japanese Faves: Ordering Japanese Sake in a Restaurant
 
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Here's a deep dive into the many ways sake can be used in cooking.
Japanese Faves: Cooking With Sake
 
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This video illustrates how sake is made, using photos and video clips from my sake brewery visit during a trip to Japan.
Japanese Faves: How Sake is Made
 
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I had the privilege to intern as a kurabito at Daimon Shuzo (Brewery) near Osaka, Japan. This video details Daimon’s artisanal approach to making true hand-crafted sake. This is part 1 of a 2-part video.
Japanese Faves: Daimon: True Hand-Crafted Sake Part1
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My blog posts

Check out my chefsapprentice.com articles about all things sake

 
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This guide looks at the different ways you can learn about sake. I focus on programs taught in English in the United States, Japan, and online and compare the top sake education programs to help you pick the best way to learn about sake.
Expert Guide to Japanese Sake Education: A Comparison of US, Japan, and Online Education Programs
 
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You may have noticed the + and – numbers on sake bottle labels. Many people think they hold the key to whether the sake is sweet or dry. But those numbers, called the SMV or Sake Meter Value, often aren’t a reliable guide. In fact, trusting only the ...
Understanding Sake Meter Value (SMV) and Its Limitations in Sake Tasting
 
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Behind every sake bottle, there’s a long process filled with skill, patience, and tradition. Making sake is an art form combining old techniques with new technology. This guide breaks down each step of sake brewing, showing you how this treasured bev...
How Sake Is Made: A Guide to Traditional and Modern Brewing
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Whether you’re ordering at a restaurant or exploring wine or sake shops, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Understanding sake labels and terminology turns the experience from confusing to a light-bulb moment. This guide will walk you...
The Ultimate Guide to Ordering and Enjoying Sake
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