Discover Sake 101: A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Sake with Sake On Air
- Cindy Bissig
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
As sake is slowly becoming increasingly popular, I recently kicked off a Sake 101 mini‑series on Sake On Air, with the goal of demystifying Japanese sake. The series dives into the essential questions that every sake enthusiast — and curious newcomer — is likely to encounter on their sake journey.
So across six bite‑sized episodes, we explore the history of sake, brewing, sake classifications, sake pairings, serving temperature, and look a little into why you should (or shouldn't) drink premium sake—and yes, it's as fun as it sounds!
For each episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with some of the most knowledgeable voices in the sake world, including Arline Lyons, Chris Hughes, and Sebastien Lemoine. Here’s a quick guide to help you dive in:
Episode #S01 – Sake 101: What is Sake?
What we cover: The true meaning of “sake” (spoiler: it doesn’t always mean rice wine!), its definition, common myths, and how it compares to wine and beer.
Host(s): Cindy Bissig & Arline Lyons
Episode #S02 – Sake 101: How is Sake Made?
What we explore: Step‑by‑step through the sake brewing process—from koji inoculation to fermentation to koji‑rice, brewing cycles, and how breweries really operate.
Host(s): Cindy Bissig & Arline Lyons
Episode #S03 – Sake 101: What is Premium Sake?
What we learn: The meaning behind Tokutei‑meisho‑shu (特定名称酒), legal classifications of “premium sake,” and why not all great sake comes with the label.
Host(s): Cindy Bissig & Sebastien Lemoine
Episode #S04 – Sake 101: The Art of Pairing Sake
What we taste: Tips for pairing sake beyond sushi—how sake enhances global cuisines, from umami‑rich dishes to surprising Western pairings.
Host(s): Cindy Bissig & Chris Hughes
Episode #S05 – Sake 101: Hot vs. Cold Sake – The Great Debate!
What we heat up: Should sake be enjoyed warm or cold? We dive into myths (is hot sake only for inferior quality?), flavor changes, and when each style shines.
Host(s): Cindy Bissig & Chris Hughes
Episode #S06 – Sake 101: A Short History of Sake
What we uncover: A 2,000‑year journey—from ritual brews to modern techniques—highlighting how sake evolved alongside Japanese culture.
Host(s): Cindy Bissig & Chris Hughes
Loved the Sake 101 episodes? There’s plenty more where that came from! Explore a wide range of sake- and shochu-themed episodes at www.sakeonair.com, and don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Want a peek into what’s happening in the world of sake here in Japan? Follow @sakenomad on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, brewery visits, and sake adventures!
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