My Top 3 Cup Sakes Review
Cup sakes do not have the best reputation. Many westerners will try a cheap, generic cup sake, turn up their nose and vow ‘Never again!’. But I encourage you not to write off this fun-size sake too soon. Here I recommend a few favourites to add to your next sake shopping list.
What is cup sake?
Cup sake, or ‘single serving’ sake is exactly what it says on the tin. Maybe you fancy a little sake buzz on the go. Maybe you want a little sake, but don’t want to open a whole bottle.
Cup sake is ideal for when you want a little tipple, but not too much. Their handy size is perfect for a much-needed afterwork drink.
Benefits of cup sake
• Cup sake is economical. Its small size and reduced price are very convenient for individuals.
• Cup sake is sample size! Some cup sakes are mini versions of their full -size counterparts. It’s a great way to try an interesting looking sake, without investing in a full bottle.
• Cup sake is small, so it can easily fit into bags and man-size pockets. They are really handy for travelling and day trips.
Gekkeikan Daiginjo Sake
This is a widely available cup sake. As a daiginjo, the rice is grained to 50%, so its not the most refined sake and a little alcohol was added at the brewery. But it has a perfectly palatable taste which is much more pleasant than its cheaper cup sake alternatives.
The best part of the Gekkeikan daiginjo sake is its lid doubles as its own ochoco cup! This may seem unnecessary, but many sake connoisseurs will adamantly tell you the drinking vessel can have a significant impact of the taste of the sake. Whether you believe this or not, it certainly feels more civilised to drink from a sake cup than the usual cup sake jar lid!
Gekkeikan One Shot Gold Honjozo Sake
There are four different styles of sake in the Gekkeikan ‘One Shot’ series. But the Gold Honjozo is by far my favourite. Honjozo sakes also have a little additional alcohol made from sugar cane added, This spirit is cut with water. This process gives honjozo sake a very sweet, dry flavour.
The Gold One Shot sake is a super sweet, banana noted wonder! Because of its sweet flavour, I suggest pairing with a tropical fruit or chocolate dessert.
Kizakura Honjozo Sake
This Kizakura honjozo sake is a little more refined, with rice grain milled to 65%. Kizakura are a Kyoto-based brewery, with a diverse range of products, including ‘Kyoto beer’.
I adore the packaging. The bottle is designed to look and feel like a traditional sake flask. It has a rough texture and feel a little more ‘grown up’ compared to cheap glass jar sakes.
It has more of an umami flavour than the Gold One Shot. It has very well-rounded flavour. This sake can be paired with savoury dishes, particularly mushrooms.
I hope this had helped encourage you to try a few cup sakes of your own. Honestly, there are so many on the market, I’m sure you will find your own trusted favourites too!
Please read more sake reviews here. Need more? Follow me on Instagram at hellokanpaidrinks
Ichinokura Sparkling Junmai Sake
