The Japanese Sake Bible

The Japanese Sake Bible is the ultimate book about Japan's national drink - from its history and culture to its ingredients and production methods, how to choose the best sake, and recommended food pairings.

Author Brian Ashcraft travelled the length and breadth of Japan to conduct dozens of interviews with master brewers and sake experts. His fascinating stories about how sake is made are accompanied by over 300 full-colour photographs, maps and drawings.

Unlike other books on sake, this one includes reviews, tasting notes and scores for over 100 leading sake brands, written by respected Japanese sake expert Takashi Eguchi. Information on the brewers is provided, and the sakes are grouped by flavour profile.

Japanese sake is spreading around the world today and winning over converts because it pairs so well with good food (and not just Japanese food!). This book will help you to be knowledgeable about selecting, serving and enjoying Japan's favourite drink.

This book takes an extensive look at Japan's national beverage. Ideal for both the beginner and the more seasoned drinker, it includes tasting notes provided by sake sommelier Eguchi, as well as recommended food pairings. In his introduction, Ashcraft declares this a 'wonderful time to be a sake drinker,' because people all over the world are becoming more interested in the drink than ever before. After covering the basics (types of sake, how sake is made, and the drink's five essential ingredients), Ashcraft guides readers in how to order and enjoy sake. The book concludes with a more in-depth glimpse at the history of sake brewing and the drink's booming international popularity. - Booklist

Ashcraft, also the author of the Japanese Whisky guide, has put together lively commentaries based on dozens of interviews with master brewers and sake experts across Japan. Another key feature: reviews and tasting notes for more than 100 leading sake brands by respected Japanese sake expert Takashi Eguchi. The book is rounded out by more than 300 full-colour illustrations, photos and maps. - Liquor.com

...a deep dive into the nation's ubiquitous drink. [...] While there are extensive chapters on tasting notes, food pairings and in-depth explorations of the roles played by rice, water and soil, the heart of the narrative is the human side of sake production. - The Japan Times