Where to buy sake in the UK
Where Can I Try Sake?
My favourite place to try new sakes is in my local Japanese restaurants. Most reputable sushi or ramen restaurants will have at least 2 or 3 selections of sake brands to choose from. If you are unsure, ask your waiter for their recommendation. They will also give advice on the optimal temperature for each brand/ sake style.Online
On the prowl for something new? You will have a wide selection of sake to choose from by shopping online. This can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to compare notes, reviews and prices.japancentre.com
Japan Centre is one of the best online resources for all things Japanese, from food to fashion magazines. Browse through their vast sake selection and you are sure to find something delectable. For a fun Friday-night tipple, try the Shochikubai Shirakabegura Mio sparkling sake. Want some special? The Taiyo Sake Brewery Taiyozakari Daiginjo sake is made from highly polished rice in snowy Niigata for a clean, fresh flavour.
thewhiskyexchange.com
More than just whisky! The Whisky Exchange has an elegant array of premium sakes. They boast the full selection from Isake International, who source sakes from breweries all across Japan. If you prefer Junmai sakes, treat yourself to the beautifully bottled Niigata Star or Fat Samurai. Got a special occasion? Pop open a Ginjo Pearl, the first sparkling sake in a traditional-style half champagne half bottle.
The Supermarket
If you know where to look, you can find sake in some supermarkets in the UK. They are usually placed in the ‘misc’ section of the alcohol aisles, between some bizarre beetroot liqueur and blue curacao. Asda sell Doragon Sake for just £6 a bottle. At my most snobby, I would suggest you use this as a ‘cooking sake’. Although widely available and very convenient, there are better sakes to try. Waitrose offers Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake at £11.99, which is not very refined but enjoyable. If you are looking for a bargain, Aldi sometimes sells this sake at just £3.99, so its worth looking out for!Your Friendly Neighbourhood Asian Supermarket
Support your local Asian supermarket! I can’t speak for all, but most of my local places are more than happy to help. Speak to the staff about the kind of sake you are after and they may be kind enough to source it for you.Want to know more about Japanese sake? Read more sake blogs, including the best temperature to drink sake.
