Foodie Lass Kanpai The History of Sake by Eric C. Rath
The History of Sake takes the reader on a cultural Japanese experience. Sake has always remained a mystery: we all know that sake originates from Japan but those of us in the West don’t really know much about its history.
In Japanese, the word ‘sake’ simply means any alcoholic drink, but has come to be regarded as this unique beverage by custom over millenia. The book describes a timeline starting from uncertain Cloudy Beginnings covering the period 1000 BCE to 1000 CE and gradually proceeds up to the present time Sake in North America 1908 – today.
Sake is Japan’s traditional drink. It is a rice wine (made from rice, water and koji mould) but, unlike other wines which are fermented, it is brewed like beer, using koji mould to release the sugar from the rice.
During the 20th Century sake became much easier and quicker to brew which made the drink more accessible globally. Sake, both in production and consumption, has played an intrinsic role in Japanese cuisine and is literally the iconic rice-based alcoholic drink which has been central to Japanese culture for over 1300 years.
Sake has become increasingly familiar outside of Japan (particularly sparking sake) which appeals to the younger generation (Kanpai London Sake `Brewery & Tap Room’).
Pairing Sake with food is an interesting concept; as with wine it depends upon the temperature. Choose from warm sake, cold sake and make the best decision on what brand you like. Take the time to learn about the history of sake and share a glass with friends:
Kanpai means ‘cheers’ in Japanese.
Kanpai The History of Sake is an extremely well-researched and beautifully-illustrated book which contains 62 illustrations with 60 in colour. Cover design Nick Evans plus cover illustrations Kiyomi Rath.
Kanpai The History of Sake is actually the first ever history of sake in English. Written by Eric C. Rath, Professor of History at the University of Kansas, the book is available from Reaktion Books (www.reaktionbooks.co.uk) and all good bookstores.
