Kanpai! Nicole's Personal Sake Picks to Celebrate International Sake Day
A curated selection of Nicole’s absolute favorite sake bottles that you need to try!
Disclaimer: I do use affiliate links in this blog meaning that if you purchase anything through my affiliate links I receive commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products that I have heavily researched, tested and loved, and/or used for several years.
International Sake Day (October 1st) is the perfect excuse to dive into the incredible world of Japan's national beverage. Sake is often misunderstood as a simple "rice wine," but it’s a truly diverse and nuanced drink, offering a spectrum of complex flavors and aromas. You might even be surprised to learn there are WSET programs dedicated entirely to sake—a huge testament to how seriously this beverage is taken in the world of wine and spirits (and a fun fact for those caught up on my sommelier blog posts). The best news? There’s a fantastic sake out there for every budget!
Whether you're looking to splurge on a truly exceptional bottle, find a reliable everyday sipper, or grab an impromptu, affordable delight, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top picks across three price points to help you celebrate with sake!
The Dom Pérignon of Sake: The Splurge-Worthy IWA 5
If you want to treat yourself or impress a sake (or wine) connoisseur, IWA 5 is the ultimate pick. This isn't just sake; it's a testament to innovation and artistry, conceived by Richard Geoffroy, the former Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon.
I developed a huge crush on IWA 5 during my first fine-dining sake tasting—detailed in my ‘A Birthday Omakase at Shunji’ blog post. It was my absolute favorite of the pairing (even before I learned about the DP background!). IWA 5 stands out for its meticulous blending ("assemblage") of multiple rice varieties, yeast strains, and techniques, resulting in an extraordinarily elegant and complex profile. You can expect layers of delicate fruit, floral notes, subtle minerality, and a remarkably long, satisfying finish. This is a refined, jaw-dropping sake meant for savoring.
Passing Down the Love: Kikusui Junmai Ginjo
When you are looking for superb quality without breaking the bank, the Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Sake is an absolute star. This iconic icy blue bottle consistently delivers an excellent drinking experience that punches well above its price point.
As I often weave in posts paying homage to my Japanese heritage, this is a very special bottle for me: it’s actually my mum’s personal favorite, a love which was obviously passed down! Kikusui is known for its refreshing, clean profile, with inviting aromas of Mandarin orange and melon. Its smooth, medium-bodied palate and crisp finish make it incredibly versatile and food-friendly—perfect for pairing with a wide array of cuisines, from sushi to light grilled dishes. Best enjoyed chilled, it’s a reliable, delicious ginjo that feels like home.
The Inexpensive Treat & Wild Card: Hakutsuru Chika Sake Cup
Sometimes, you just want a quick, easy, and satisfying sip of sake without any fuss. The Hakutsuru Chika Sake Cup is the perfect choice! These adorable, single-serving glass cups are ubiquitous in Japan and are great for convenience and affordability.
This one is a bit of a wild card! I initially discovered it on accident, drawn in by the cute aesthetic of the glass cup (something I usually try to stray away from with beverage recommendations!). You can read more about Chika and her cat (‘neko’ in Japanese) named Haku illustrated on the cup. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Chika Cup offers a classic, straightforward sake experience that is equally delicious for the price point. Expect a clean, mild, and slightly dry flavor profile that can be enjoyed chilled or even slightly warmed on a chilly evening. It's the perfect, fuss-free treat for a solo indulgence or a spontaneous taste of Japan. Hakutsuru’s Sayuri Junmai Nigori is also a great pick for the price point (with a beautiful pink aesthetic!).
Shop Nicole’s Premium Picks:
Shop Nicole’s Quality Picks Under $35:
Photos from Nicole’s Sake Tasting Experience:
Besides IWA 5, the others are a bit more difficult to source from Japan but are excellent picks if you want to search the labels!
P.S. Next year I plan to take a WSET Sake course, and will have many more sake recommendations to come!
Nicole’s Fixation Edit: Edo Kiriko Glassware & Sake Sets:
I am obsessed with Edo Kiriko and a few years ago I went down a rabbit hole finding every retailer possible. These are the gorgeous sake cups you will often find at a premium omakase!
