Japanese Saké: A Closer Look. Exploring style, umami and regionality of Japan’s national beverage
2023/11/13
On November 13, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan Saké and Shochu Makers Association, held a saké masterclass event "Japanese Saké: A Closer Look. Exploring style, umami and regionality of Japan's national beverage" in the Information and Culture Centre of the Embassy. The purpose of the event was to improve knowledge of saké and facilitate and increase export of saké to Canada with the targeted audience of people from the restaurant industry and professional sommeliers in Ottawa. The lecturer was Mr. Michael Tremblay who was inducted as a “Saké Samurai”* in 2018. He is not only involved in the saké education business, notably by founding the “Saké Scholar Course”, but also actively working to promote saké both in Canada and overseas as a sommelier and saké studies lecturer.
Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi gave the opening remarks by expressing his wish to introduce the charm of saké to more Canadian consumers through the food and restaurant industries as well as to spread the knowledge of saké within the country and increase the exports of saké to Canada from Japan.
Furthermore, Mr. Hitoshi Utsunomiya, Director of the Japan Saké and Shochu Makers Association, through video message expressed his hope that saké, which is considered a national beverage and is at the core of Japanese culture, will become more popular in Canada.
Mr. Tremblay gave a lecture about saké from a scientific perspective, including basic knowledge about saké, analysis of umami components, and pairing with ingredients that focus on these elements. Participants deepened their knowledge by tasting a selection of the best saké available in Canada, arranged on pre-prepared tasting mats, with Mr. Tremblay's commentary.
*"Saké Samurai" is a title awarded by the Japan Saké Brewers Association Junior Council for the purpose of promoting the history and culture of saké through various activities in Japan and overseas. There are currently around 90 people with the title of Saké Samurai in the world.
Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi gave the opening remarks by expressing his wish to introduce the charm of saké to more Canadian consumers through the food and restaurant industries as well as to spread the knowledge of saké within the country and increase the exports of saké to Canada from Japan.
Furthermore, Mr. Hitoshi Utsunomiya, Director of the Japan Saké and Shochu Makers Association, through video message expressed his hope that saké, which is considered a national beverage and is at the core of Japanese culture, will become more popular in Canada.
Mr. Tremblay gave a lecture about saké from a scientific perspective, including basic knowledge about saké, analysis of umami components, and pairing with ingredients that focus on these elements. Participants deepened their knowledge by tasting a selection of the best saké available in Canada, arranged on pre-prepared tasting mats, with Mr. Tremblay's commentary.
*"Saké Samurai" is a title awarded by the Japan Saké Brewers Association Junior Council for the purpose of promoting the history and culture of saké through various activities in Japan and overseas. There are currently around 90 people with the title of Saké Samurai in the world.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering opening remarks |
Saké Samurai Mr. Tremblay gives a presentation on the charm of saké |
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| Video greeting by Mr. Hitoshi Utsunomiya, Director of the Japan Saké and Shochu Makers Association | Participants deepening their knowledge through tasting drinks |