Visiting Japan, sampling Sake

Even if you're not a drinker, while visiting Japan you should try the sake. I'm sure you won't be disappointed, and in order to fully appreciate this beverage, I recommend you to sample it several times. Why? First because there's an amazing variety of sake available, and second, because some varieties should be served cold, others warm and others at room temperature. In fact, one of the most frequent misconceptions about sake is that it should be served either hot or very cold.

Like the wines, various types of sake should be drunk at their appropriate temperature. Kan, the warm sake, is one of the traditional ways: the drink is warmed in small porcelain bottles up to 35°–45°C, but the temperature must not rise above 50°C, because the delicate aroma will be lost. Some varieties like Namazake ("draft sake" - that's my favorite) are served cold at 8°–10°C, but they shouldn't be chilled below 5°C, because you cannot feel the taste anymore...