Course details

Sake is a Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice in a process similar to how beer is made. While it is comprised of only four ingredients, the sake brewing process is incredibly complex and precise.

Sake sommelier and brewer Maaya Takoaka explains the basics of sake in this course, from brewing to serving. Learn the secrets of this ancient drink and take your service game to the next level – while learning some Japanese words along the way!

What you’ll learn in the Sake basics course

• What sake is and how it is served
• The different sake classifications
• Sake ingredients
• The sake brewing process
• How to pick the best sake and food pairings
• How to recommend sake to customers

The origins of sake are not certain, but it is believed that it dates back to the Nara period in Japan, way back around 700 AD. Sake has played an important role in Japanese culture since, from religious ceremonies to drinking games!

Today, it is enjoying widespread appreciation in places far from where it originated.

Who the Sake basics course is for

Servers and bartenders, up your customer service skills with expert coaching!

Meet your instructor

Maaya Takaoka

CEO of NIHONSHUNISHIYOU Co, Ltd.

In 2017, She discovered sake and became certified as an SSI sake rissei.
Realizing the potential of pairing sake with food, he became a certified chef.
Served as a judge for various contests held in Japan, including the “Heated Sake Contest” and the “Delicious sake in a Wine Glass Award”.

Visits more than 30 sake breweries throughout Japan every year to plan and propose new sake experiences such as “Desserts x Sake” and “Sake x Music”.