I will be the first to admit, my first encounter with sparkling sake put me off it for a very long time. I ordered it on a whim at a kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant, expecting something light and fun. Instead, it was aggressively fizzy, overly sweet, and tasted of only regret and poor choices.
After vowing never to partake in this monstrosity again, my next encounter with sparkling sake came a couple of years later at a tiny izakaya in a lesser-known working-class neighborhood in Tokyo. The mama-san (owner) was delighted to see a young Indian woman dining solo and brought me a flute of sparkling sake with a small snack as a gift. Who was I to refuse?
This sake, however, was a revelation, and not just because it was free—it was bright yet refined, bubbly and light but with an umami depth that lingered beautifully. And just like that, my love for sparkling sake was born.
Growing Market for Sparkling Sake
The market for sparkling sake has grown leaps and bounds since my first unfortunate encounter with it, fuelled largely by an increased overseas demand rather than domestic consumption in Japan. While on one hand you have your hardcore sake lovers who can rank their favorite yeast varieties, for many in Japan, sake is still seen as a drink tied to cultural events like weddings and festivals, or a birthday present for grandpa. The rise and refinement of sparkling sake feels like an effort to reintroduce it as something fresh, enjoyable and accessible for a wider audience.
So, what makes sparkling sake stand out? A lot rides on its unique character – it takes traditional sake’s rice-driven flavor and softens it with delicate effervescence. Unlike champagne or Prosecco, which lean on acidity or fruit, the magic of sparkling sake lies in its balance: mellow sweetness elevated by bubbles with umami and bitter notes to keep it grounded, ending in a lovely clean finish.
Scope for Sparkling Sake in India
In India too, sparkling sake has all makings of a crowd pleaser. Its natural sweetness and delicate carbonation are perfect for pairing with the bold Indian palate. The fizz mellows the spice, while the gentle sweetness mirrors the tang. Bubbles cut through richness, while the underlying sweetness of rice complements even our syrupiest of desserts.
If you’re wondering where to start, here are a couple of my go-to recommendations:
Crimson Glory – Pink Sapphire
Eiko Fuji Brewery (Yamagata prefecture)
This low-alcohol delight is brewed using a rare red yeast, giving it a beautiful rose hue. It is a floral, delicate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for those new to the world of sake. Perfect for a casual brunch or laid-back evening.
Dassai Sparkling
Asahi Shuzo (Yamaguchi prefecture)
Renowned for its balance, this sake is slightly dry with a clean, peachy finish. It pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes and won’t overwhelm anything you pair it with. A reliable choice for any occasion.
Hakutsuru Awayuki Sparkling
Hakutsuru Brewery (Hyogo Prefecture)
This one has won quite a few awards recently and is readily available in India. It is a citrus forward sake, with a nice balance of sweet and sourness that especially pairs well with chocolate based desserts.
With that, here’s a little nudge to try sparkling sake this holiday season. It’s approachable, fun, and a fantastic way to introduce friends to the world of sake.
Cheers to discovering something new!
