By Wine & Spirit Academy (WSA Bangkok)
Sake has become one of the most fascinating beverages for drink enthusiasts around the world. Yet, for many beginners, navigating labels, rice-polishing ratios, and the endless flavor possibilities can feel overwhelming.
At Wine & Spirit Academy (WSA Bangkok), our mission is to make sake approachable, enjoyable, and understandable — whether you’re a complete beginner or a passionate learner. This guide will help you grasp the essentials before you join us for a hands-on tasting in our dedicated sake learning programs.
Every bottle of sake starts with four simple ingredients:
rice, water, yeast, and koji.
From these elements, brewers craft a wide variety of styles based on:
These factors shape the flavor, aroma, texture, and ideal serving temperature.
Below is a beginner-friendly overview of the main sake categories you will experience at WSA Bangkok’s Sake Classes.
Pure rice sake — no added alcohol.
Flavors: full-bodied, savory, rich in umami.
Perfect for: warm serving, rice-driven flavors, hearty dishes.
Made with a small amount of added alcohol to enhance aroma and texture.
Flavors: light, smooth, clean.
Perfect for: food pairing, beginners exploring balanced styles.
Premium sake with 60% or less of the rice grain remaining.
Flavors: fruity, floral, elegant aromas like melon, pear, white blossoms.
Perfect for: chilled serving, delicately flavored dishes, aromatic tasting.
Ultra-premium sake with 50% or less of the rice grain remaining.
Flavors: refined, silky, expressive, highly aromatic.
Perfect for: special occasions, sushi, sashimi, appreciation-focused tastings.
These styles add even more personality and variety to the world of sake — and are always a highlight in our tasting sessions at Wine & Spirit Academy (WSA Bangkok).
Sake is incredibly food-friendly. Here’s a simple guide:
In our classes, you’ll learn how different temperatures — chilled, room temperature, or gently warmed — completely transform the tasting experience.
At WSA Bangkok, our sake program is designed for progressive learning, whether you’re curious or aiming for professional-level understanding.
You’ll enjoy:
– Guided tastings led by certified sake educators
– Comparison of multiple premium sakes
– Hands-on evaluation of aroma, flavor, and texture
– Serving methods, pairing guidance, and brewing fundamentals
– A friendly, engaging, and educational environment
We offer three levels of sake education with certificate of completion:
Unlock the world of sake. Discover the essentials in just 2 hours—brewing, categories, styles, tasting, and food pairings. Perfect for beginners and curious food lovers.
Perfect for beginners.
A comprehensive 1-day course designed to build a strong foundation in sake knowledge. You’ll explore the fundamentals of sake production, styles, and service, gaining practical skills to apply in both professional settings and personal pursuits. Whether you work in a restaurant, bar, or hospitality environment—or are simply a sake enthusiast—this engaging program will enhance your ability to confidently talk about, serve, pair, and appreciate sake, elevating both your offerings and your overall sake experience.
An intensive 3-day course designed for those seeking a deeper, more practical understanding of the world of sake. Building on foundational knowledge, this program explores advanced brewing methods, regional distinctions, professional tasting techniques, and complex food pairing strategies. Ideal for those pursuing a career in the alcoholic beverage industry, working in hospitality, or dedicated enthusiasts, this course equips participants with the expertise and confidence to engage with sake at a professional level.
In a city full of wine courses and tasting events,
In the competitive world of hospitality, delivering exceptional beverage service—especially
In the vibrant social scene of Bangkok, where dinner parties,
