Prestel Sake: The Art and Craft of Japan's National Drink

"Winner of the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2025 - Debut Drink Book" "Winner of the James Beard Foundation Book Award 2025 - Beverage without Recipes" "Winner of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2025 – Asian Spirits" The definitive book on Japan’s national drink, this visually stunning celebration of the culture, craft, and history of sake pairs perfectly with the growing boom in its consumption across the globe. Sake is more than just a beverage—it is an art form deeply embedded in the fabric of Japanese heritage. Expertly researched and written by one of the few women to be awarded the prestigious Master of Sake Tasting qualification, this sumptuous, wide-ranging volume features lavishly illustrated chapters that explore the beverage’s role in Japanese history and tradition; its production, key ingredients, and sourcing; aroma and taste profiles; and pairing it with food. Filled with beautiful full-page photographs, this book showcases the rituals and customs of sake drinking and profiles prominent rice farmers and brewers. It illustrates the different varieties of rice and the fundamental production processes from rice-polishing to aging. Readers will learn about sake tasting; various types of drinking vessels; and the fundamental flavors and styles of Japanese cuisine. Breathtaking in its sweep and allure, this uniquely comprehensive book invites enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and craftsmanship behind every glass of Japan’s famed rice wine.