London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts.
Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.
Made using just four ingredients – rice, water, yeast and koji mould – the sake brings traditional Japanese brewing techniques together with Western brewing methods.
For spirits drinkers accustomed to exploring different grains, fermentation and maturation styles, sake offers another perspective on how ingredients and brewing techniques shape flavour.
Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK…
English sake for Christmas? Shogun Sakes says kanpai!
Pure English Sake is a rich Junmai (so no distilled brewer’s alcohol added), with a fruity, fresh character and a well-rounded profile. Its flavour is described as combining green apple and pear with cream and light praline. An umami-rich, medium-dry finish brings the tasting experience to a close.
The producer describes the sake as low in sugar, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, with no added sweeteners, preservatives, sulphites or tannins.
There’s flexibility in how to enjoy it. The Shogun team recommend serving the sake chilled at around 10°C, in a wine glass, or warm at 45°C. It can also be used as the foundation for cocktails, offering scope for experimentation beyond a traditional sake serve.
Food pairing is another part of its appeal. Sake works with grilled meat, oily fish and even pizza. It could also earn a place at the Christmas table, where its savoury depth and gentle sweetness complement roast turkey and pigs in blankets – and it would definitely bring an interesting dimension to a festive cheeseboard.
For Christmas gifting, Shogun Sakes has put together a presentation set containing a 70cl bottle of Pure English Sake and a titanium sake cup. Formed from a solid block of titanium, the cup is designed to keep the sake’s flavour pure and can be heated or cooled to help bring the drink to the preferred temperature. It sells for £39.95, from the brand’s online store.
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London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts.
Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.
Made using just four ingredients – rice, water, yeast and koji mould – the sake brings traditional Japanese brewing techniques together with Western brewing methods.
For spirits drinkers accustomed to exploring different grains, fermentation and maturation styles, sake offers another perspective on how ingredients and brewing techniques shape flavour.
English sake for Christmas? Shogun Sakes says kanpai!
Pure English Sake is a rich Junmai (so no distilled brewer’s alcohol added), with a fruity, fresh character and a well-rounded profile. Its flavour is described as combining green apple and pear with cream and light praline. An umami-rich, medium-dry finish brings the tasting experience to a close.
The producer describes the sake as low in sugar, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, with no added sweeteners, preservatives, sulphites or tannins.
There’s flexibility in how to enjoy it. The Shogun team recommend serving the sake chilled at around 10°C, in a wine glass, or warm at 45°C. It can also be used as the foundation for cocktails, offering scope for experimentation beyond a traditional sake serve.
Food pairing is another part of its appeal. Sake works with grilled meat, oily fish and even pizza. It could also earn a place at the Christmas table, where its savoury depth and gentle sweetness complement roast turkey and pigs in blankets – and it would definitely bring an interesting dimension to a festive cheeseboard.
For Christmas gifting, Shogun Sakes has put together a presentation set containing a 70cl bottle of Pure English Sake and a titanium sake cup. Formed from a solid block of titanium, the cup is designed to keep the sake’s flavour pure and can be heated or cooled to help bring the drink to the preferred temperature. It sells for £39.95, from the brand’s online store.
Shogun Sakes Pure English Sake is priced at £34.95, and is available from Amazon.
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