Question about Sake (liquor, shelf, taste, brands)

[Prince_Frog]

I've got a friend who lived over in Japan for 2 years and he loved the experience. When he came back he expressed how he missed it and he loved the alcohol he was drinking.

I figured I would buy him some Sake for a gift. The problem is, I don't know anything about sake other than it's made from rice.

The question I have is: Is the difference in flavor between cheap sake, middle-shelf sake, and high-end sake really different? Like if I buy the cheapest sake, would it taste absolutely terrible, and would only be consumed for getting smashed?

I'm hoping to find an answer to that, maybe some brands I should look for, and what I should avoid.

[Dogmama50]

There are big differences in the quality of Sake, the better sakes are meant to be consumed cold rather than warm. Most liquor stores don't have a diverse selection so your choices may be limited, but the staff there should be able to help. For a mid priced brand I like Momokawa, the unfiltered Pearl is usually around $12 it's in a large blue bottle.

[Koale]

Originally Posted by Prince_Frog

I've got a friend who lived over in Japan for 2 years and he loved the experience. When he came back he expressed how he missed it and he loved the alcohol he was drinking.

I figured I would buy him some Sake for a gift. The problem is, I don't know anything about sake other than it's made from rice.

The question I have is: Is the difference in flavor between cheap sake, middle-shelf sake, and high-end sake really different? Like if I buy the cheapest sake, would it taste absolutely terrible, and would only be consumed for getting smashed?

I'm hoping to find an answer to that, maybe some brands I should look for, and what I should avoid.

Deciding on a Sake', if you have much of a choice, can turn into quite the dilemma. I was faced with an entire isle, floor to ceiling, to choose from at one point, I ended up selecting the 'bottom of the barrel' stuff from Safeway for $3.99...warming it up and thoroughly enjoying it. The fruit Sake's can be good, enjoyed cold. Not much of a 'cold Sake' drinker myself. I enjoy the ritual of heating it up... I would suggest, possibly, picking out 3-5 different types for your friend. It shouldn't break the bank, even though you can pay $100 or more for a choice bottle if not careful. Why not sit down w/your friend and try 'em all...
Koale

[jasper12]

Cheap Sake is usually served warm, chilled Sake is better quality. Don't buy the rotgut.

He might enjoy a Sake set..

[Prince_Frog]

Originally Posted by Dogmama50

There are big differences in the quality of Sake, the better sakes are meant to be consumed cold rather than warm. Most liquor stores don't have a diverse selection so your choices may be limited, but the staff there should be able to help. For a mid priced brand I like Momokawa, the unfiltered Pearl is usually around $12 it's in a large blue bottle.

Originally Posted by Koale

Deciding on a Sake', if you have much of a choice, can turn into quite the dilemma. I was faced with an entire isle, floor to ceiling, to choose from at one point, I ended up selecting the 'bottom of the barrel' stuff from Safeway for $3.99...warming it up and thoroughly enjoying it. The fruit Sake's can be good, enjoyed cold. Not much of a 'cold Sake' drinker myself. I enjoy the ritual of heating it up... I would suggest, possibly, picking out 3-5 different types for your friend. It shouldn't break the bank, even though you can pay $100 or more for a choice bottle if not careful. Why not sit down w/your friend and try 'em all...
Koale

Thank for the replies!

When I went to our liqor store I was faced with 3 kinds of Sake, and they were all made by the same company lol. They were priced between $15-$21 and all of them were supposed to be served chilled I think.

I bought Tyku silver Sake, for $18 and some change, and I bought him some Asahi beer which he also enjoys drinking.

Thanks for the help everyone! Had there been a huge selection I probably would have freaked! lol

[Dogmama50]

Sounds like you made some nice choices, hope your friend enjoys them.