Why we sell sake here

We are dedicated to offering only the finest Japanese sake here at Sankyu. This is because, unfortunately, the chances of foreigners visiting Japan encountering truly delicious sake are very low. In fact, even many Japanese people struggle to find delicious sake.

Here are five reasons why:

Too Many Brands to Choose From
There are about 1,200 sake breweries in Japan, producing over 10,000 different brands. In a shop you visit for the first time, you’ll often find brands and breweries you’ve never heard of, making it difficult to know where to start.

Lack of Information
For visitors from abroad, the sake labels, all written in Japanese, are a complete mystery. Even for Japanese people, it is often challenging to predict the taste from the information on the label. You won’t know what it tastes like until you open and drink it.

The Myth of Old Breweries
Japanese sake underwent significant, and often detrimental, changes during and after World War II. In the past 80 years, the number of sake breweries has decreased to one-fifth. Larger breweries have survived, but not necessarily due to quality. Sake that is widely available is likely to be of lower quality.

Limited Availability of Fine Sake
Truly exceptional sake cannot be mass-produced. It requires careful craftsmanship and limited production. As a result, finding high-quality sake can be challenging, both in terms of location and timing.

Quality Control Is Crucial

Sake is sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet light, and improper handling, especially during hot summers, can lead to rapid deterioration. Unpasterurized Sake needs to be stored below 0°C. Additionally, once a bottle is opened, the taste can change, so when was that bottle you were served at the restaurant opened?

At Sankyu, all our sake is carefully selected by our sommeliers who taste each one to ensure its quality. The sake is stored under strict temperature control and described in terms that help you imagine the taste and aroma. Delivery is also made at low temperatures. Please enjoy your favorite sake at your preferred temperature and with your favorite sake cup.

We hope that Sankyu’s selection of sake helps you embark on a broad and deep journey into the world of Japanese sake.