Sake and cheese

Sake and cheese can be a surprisingly delightful combination, but it largely depends on the specific types of sake and cheese you choose. Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine with a range of flavors and aromas, and cheese comes in countless varieties with diverse textures and tastes. Here are some considerations when pairing sake and cheese:

1. Sake Varieties: Sake comes in various styles, including Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, and Nigori, each with its own characteristics. Lighter and more delicate sakes like Ginjo and Daiginjo often pair well with milder cheeses, while richer and more robust sakes like Junmai or aged sake can complement stronger cheeses.

2. Cheese Types: The type of cheese you select matters. Soft and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert can harmonize with the clean, crisp flavors of sake. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar may pair nicely with more robust sakes.

3. Matching Flavors: Consider matching the flavors and aromas of the sake with those of the cheese. For example, a fruity sake might go well with a fruity or nutty cheese, while a sake with earthy or umami notes could complement a cheese with similar qualities.

4. Experiment: Sake and cheese pairing can be quite subjective, so it's a good idea to experiment and discover your personal preferences. Try different combinations and see what works best for your palate.

5. Temperature: The temperature at which you serve the sake and cheese can also impact the pairing. Sake can be served chilled or at room temperature, and the choice can affect how it pairs with cheese. Chilled sake might be more refreshing and contrast with rich, creamy cheeses, while room temperature sake can provide a smoother transition with milder cheeses.

Some general pairings to consider:

• Sake with sushi or sashimi can be a delightful match, especially if the sake has crisp and clean flavors.
• Creamy sake can pair well with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie.
• Aged sake can complement the nuttiness and complexity of aged cheeses.
• A sake with citrusy notes can be a nice match for goat cheese.

What about SuperSake sakes and cheeses?

We would match our dryer karakuchi sakes (Taihizan junmai kimoto, Kounotsukasa Kimoto, Tentaka Junmai with cheeses like Grana Padano, Pecorino, Cheddar, Gruyere, Emmental, and Mimolette). 

Our less dry sakes like Imada Kimoto, Imada Genkei, Kamoshi Kuheiji Kurodashou ni umarete, Hourai Hatsugumi, Sekaiitto Kishu and Kinmon X3 Rose would go with our favourite blue brie, Blue cheeses, soft brie, camembert and other. Try also with cheddar a Gozenshu Mimisaka or 1859.  

Ultimately, the best sake and cheese pairings come down to your personal taste preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorite combinations.