The rapid shrinking of the world into a unified entity, has made international cuisines and beverages easily accessible. Now In India we have drinks like the Japanese Sake and food items such as Korea’s Kimchi available right at our doorstep.

The growing popularity of Sake in India, has inspired the Sake Club India (SCI) — a Facebook group of dedicated sake enthusiasts numbering more than 1,200 members – to offer a course to Sake lovers online on September 19. This course will enable them to get a Nihonshu Navigator certification too. The course and certification are available in India for the first time.

A traditional alcoholic beverage of Japan, sake is made from rice – a staple diet in that country and is made through fermentation just like beer and wine. Boasting a history of more than 2,000 years, the drink is a part of Japanese lifestyle and culture. With Japanese people and products fanning across the planet, this drink has become exceptionally popular in many countries, including India.

Ravi Joshi, the SCI Director and Co-Founder told India Narrative that the beginner level and 90-minute duration course is called “Sake Fast Forward”. “It will provide learners with all essential knowledge of Sake and optionally equip them with world renowned Japanese Sake certification, the only course in India to do so,” he disclosed.

Mika Eoka, who is a Tokyo-based Sake lecturer and SCI Co founder will conduct the course.

The course promises to cater to those who are inquisitive to know about sake and those keen to acquire accreditation for which a certification from Japan’s Sake Service Institute will be given. “For those wanting to pursue Sake education further, the SFF course will act as a stepping stone to the higher-level Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier) certification by SII,” Joshi shared with India Narrative.

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Since sake is brewed and fermented and not distilled it comes under the ambit of beer or wine. When asked how it is different from wine and beer, Joshi explained: “Sake is much different than both, wherein it undergoes multiple parallel fermentation and also has a higher average alcoholic concentration. Typically, a Sake will have 16 to 20% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) whereas an average beer would range between 4 to 8% and an average wine, 11 to 14%.”

Joshi added, the beverage is considered beneficial for health, provided taken in moderate amounts. “It is rich in amino acids, preservative free and totally vegan.”

Ravi Joshi and Mika Eoka, founders of Sake Club India

Joshi is hopeful about the growing popularity of Sake in India, especially among the younger generation. “Indians have started expressing keen interest in Sake like never before, though it still remains a niche beverage much like wine a couple of decades ago.”

Elucidating on the reason for the increasing interest in sake, he said it is due to the proliferation of Japanese cuisine in the country, at least in the metros. Apart from this he enumerated other reasons like “a significant Japanese expat community in the country, more disposable incomes and improved communication across the globe that facilitates easy cultural exchange.”

Joshi pitches hope on India’s sizable upwardly mobile young population that is eager to try new things. According to him, “Sake happens to be in a favourable position with this demography.”

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