Did you know that sake tastes delicious when warmed up? Warm sake is called atsukan in Japanese, and it is an absolute treat during cold months like January and February and a surefire way to enhance your Japanese dining experience. This article will introduce you to the surprisingly intricate world of warm sake!
Temperature Changes the Flavor of Sake
To understand how flavor changes with temperature, keep in mind that chilling tends to suppress the sweetness of sake, resulting in a refreshing and sharp taste with stark aromas, while warming enhances its intrinsic bouquet and body, offering a more mellow and aromatic experience. Also, when sake is warm, its alcohol content becomes more pronounced, creating a rich and full-bodied flavor.
How Does Warm Sake Taste?
Atsukan is often used as a broad term for warm sake, and each increment of around 5°C is given its own specific name. To prepare atsukan, pour sake into a tokkuri (sake decanter), place it in boiled water, and keep it submerged while using a thermometer to reach your desired temperature. Here are the different types that you can aim for:
■Hinatakan (Sunshine Warm)
The lowest temperature for warm sake is around 30°C. It has a gentle mouthfeel that is said to be like basking in the sun. The acidity and richness are often more pronounced than at room temperature.
■Hitohadakan (Body Temperature Warm)
At approximately 35°C, this sake feels slightly warm when drunk. It highlights the pleasant aromas of rice and koji (malted rice) and yields a more delicate flavor.
■Nurukan (Lukewarm)
At around 40°C, each sip will feel quite warm. The richness and umami are enhanced, making it easier to fully savor.
■Jokan (Warm)
At about 45°C, the warmth is clearly pronounced, giving off a balanced character and sharp aftertaste.
■Atsukan (Hot)
At around 50°C, the sake is now very warm and ideal for cold days.
■Tobikirikan (Piping Hot)
Once you go above 50ºC, the aromas and tastes are very intense and stimulating, which is particularly well-suited to dry sake. Temperatures above 50ºC are also often collectively called atsukan.
By experimenting with temperatures, you can uncover a world of new and surprising sake profiles and preferences. So, before getting stuck in your next bottle, boil up some water and give it a try!
What Food Pairs Well With Atsukan?
Despite being warm, atsukan still goes well with traditional Japanese sake-pairing dishes like sashimi, simmered fish, boiled vegetables, and stews. During winter, hotpots like sukiyaki, yosenabe (hotpots made with various ingredients), and oden (ingredients stewed in broth) are the ultimate counterparts. Unlike wine, sake of all kinds also pairs well with acidic and citrusy dishes.
With so many different temperatures, you might feel nervous about ordering atsukan at a restaurant. Fret not! Simply asking for atsume (warm) or nurume (lukewarm) is sufficient, and the staff will help you choose the right sake based on your meal and preferences.
Restaurants to Enjoy Great Food With Atsukan Sake
Yakiniku & Sake USHIGORO Kan Ebisu Main Branch (Ebisu / Yakiniku)
Start with the chef's selected premium cuts with the [Special Assortment of Rare Wagyu Cuts] (3,300 JPY), then order seconds of whatever you enjoy. With all sorts of meats available, even in half sizes, there's plenty to get stuck into. The restaurant also serves sake carefully curated by a certified sake sommelier to complement the meat.
Yakiniku & Sake USHIGORO Kan Ebisu Main Branch
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ebisu Station on JR Line (West Exit) / Hibiya Line (Exit 1 and Exit 3). Go towards atré Ebisu West Wing and it is on the right side
Address: 1F STM Ebisu Bldg., 1-8-1, Ebisuminami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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Sushi Restaurant SAIKA (Otaru / Sushi)
Recommended is the [Hamanasu] (4,500 JPY), a platter of 12 sushi pieces that includes thick and velvety tuna and scallops whose sweetness will linger long after being eaten. The high-quality seafood guarantees peak satisfaction, only made better with well-matched atsukan sake!
Sushi Restaurant SAIKA
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station, near the arcade
Address: 2-11-3, Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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