With today's sake drinkers increasingly informed and adventurous, now is the time for a truly expert guide to take you deeper into appreciation of this complex but delightful Japanese beverage, brewed from rice and enjoyed both warm or chilled.

And what better mentor than John Gauntner, the "Sake Guy" and the world's leading non-Japanese sake educator and evangelist? Here in over two dozen no-holds-barred essays, John reveals "the truth about sake" from a connected insider's perspective. No other book or website presents such a knowledgeable, practical, and concise yet complete guide to sake idiosyncrasies, misperceptions, and controversies.

"Sake Confidential" is the perfect FAQ for beginners, experts, and sommeliers. Indexed for easy reference with suggested brands and label photos. Includes:

• Sake Secrets: junmai vs. non-junmai, namazake, aging, dry vs. sweet, ginjo, warm vs. chilled, nigori, water, yeast, rice, regionality
• How the Industry Really Works: pricing, contests, distribution, glassware, milling, food pairing
• The Brewer's Art Revealed: koji-making, brewers' guilds, grading

John Gauntner John Gauntner is the only non-Japanese certified Master of Sake Tasting. A resident of Japan since 1988, he has worked in the sake industry promoting and educating since 1994. Each year he conducts Sake Professional Courses for sake professionals and aficionados, and several of his students have gone on to open thriving sake shops, breweries, and izakaya in the United States.

This stunning guide invites you into the story of sake--an ancient beverage finding its way in a modern world. Whether you're a sake novice or an experienced connoisseur, Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake offers fascinating insights, practical tips, and rich stories about this popular beverage. Authors and experts Nancy Matsumoto and Michael Tremblay personally undertook the challenge of visiting 35 artisanal sake breweries in Japan, the US, and Canada to interview makers and document every stage of the sake brewing process. Nancy's celebrated journalistic background combined with Michael's sake sommelier experience have led to an engaging and informative look at the world of sake. With over 300 color photos and a lively narrative, this fascinating book provides: A comprehensive introduction to the science and history of sake brewing in Japan A look at how fine craft sakes are brewed today using traditional methods and no additives--only rice, water, koji, and yeast Histories of Japan's venerable breweries, some of them over 300 years old! An answer to why some breweries are able to turn out a superior quality of sake A discussion of rice varieties and the contentious topic of terroir in the context of sake making. Current trends in the world of sake, including the fine sakes now brewed outside Japan Tasting notes and recommendations for top craft sakes you have not heard about yet This book also includes personal recipes from several top Japanese sake-brewing families along with food-pairing tips and a chapter on the authors' own Japanese sake-bar-going adventures.

The Sake Handbook is the foremost guide to the history, brewing, and distinctive flavors of sake. Just what are jizake, namazake and ginjoshu? The Sake Handbook answers all these questions and much more about sake wine and will help you enjoy Japan's national beverage in style. Author John Gauntner is recognized as the world's leading non-Japanese sake expert. A longtime Japan resident, he is well known among sake brewers and others within the sake industry. He wrote the Nihonshu Column in the Japan Times for many years before writing a weekly column on sake in Japanese for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan's and the world's most widely distributed Japanese newspaper. In 2006, John received the Sake Samurai award. He has published five books on sake including Sake Confidential This sake book features: This new edition has been completely revised and updated Gives you all the information you need in a handy, portable format Offers a detailed explanation of the sake brewing process Reviews over a hundred sake brands, with illustrations of their labels for easy identification Profiles over 50 Japanese izakaya or pub-style restaurants in Tokyo and the surrounding environs Lists specialty shops in Japan where you can purchase hard-to-find Japanese wine brands Lists specialty retailers in the United States and elsewhere