From Rice to Glass: The Akashi-Tai Sake Tasting at Edgbaston

Think you don’t like sake? You’re probably drinking the wrong one.

Tried sake once with sushi and weren’t convinced? You’re not alone—but there’s a whole world beyond that lukewarm carafe. Sake comes in a huge range of styles—from delicate and dry to fruity, bold, and even sparkling. Often called Japanese rice wine, sake is actually brewed more like beer, using polished rice and a special fermentation process. It comes in all sorts of styles – from light and crisp to bold and fruity – and can be served warm or chilled, depending on the type. And when it’s brewed with care, served properly, and tasted in good company, it’s nothing short of eye-opening!

Join us for a relaxed evening of discovery with Akashi-Tai, one of Japan’s most respected traditional sake breweries. Based in the coastal town of Akashi, just west of Kobe, the brewery dates back to the 1800s and is still family-run today. They specialise in small-batch, handcrafted premium sake that combines centuries of tradition with precise technique and expressive style.

You’ll taste your way through seven of their most exciting sakes — classic and modern, bold and subtle — while learning what makes each one unique and how to truly enjoy it. Whether you’re a newcomer or a quiet enthusiast, it’s a chance to explore Japan’s national drink in a warm, informal setting, with expert guidance and plenty of flavour.

What to Expect

• Taste seven different styles of sake from the Akashi-Tai range
• Learn how sake is brewed—using polished rice, koji mould, and a unique fermentation process
• Understand the role of rice polishing and why it affects aroma, texture, and style
• Explore key categories like junmai, honjozo, daiginjo, sparkling, and fruit-infused
• Get tips on serving temperature, glassware, and how to enjoy sake at its best
• Discover how sake pairs with far more than sushi—from cheese to grilled meats and desserts
• Discover why sake is more versatile (and delicious) than you might expect
• Enjoy a cosy, informal atmosphere—no experience required

Sake on Tasting

• Akashi-Tai Honjozo Tokubetsu
  A light, smooth sake with a touch of umami – perfect for easy drinking and food pairing.
• Akashi-Tai Junmai Tokubetsu
  A richer, fuller-bodied sake made with only rice, water, and koji – well-balanced and versatile.
• Akashi-Tai Daiginjo Genshu
  An elegant, aromatic sake with fruity notes and a clean finish, made from highly polished rice.
• Akashi-Tai Junmai Daiginjo Genshu
  Full-bodied yet refined, this premium sake is bold in flavour with delicate floral and fruity aromas.
• Akashi-Tai Sparkling Sake
  Lightly sparkling with a hint of sweetness – refreshing and great for celebrations or aperitifs.
• Akashi-Tai Umeshu
  A rich and mellow plum liqueur made by infusing ume fruit into premium sake.
• Akashi-Tai Yuzushu
  A bright, zesty citrus liqueur combining the sharpness of yuzu with the smoothness of sake.

Who Is This For?

Perfect for:

• Anyone who’s tried sake once and wants to give it a proper go
• Wine, beer, or spirit lovers looking to expand their palate
• Foodies interested in new pairing possibilities
• People who enjoy learning through tasting in a relaxed, friendly setting
• Curious drinkers who want to understand the culture, styles, and flavour range of sake

No prior sake knowledge needed—just an open mind and a thirst for something different.

About Akashi-Tai

Akashi-Tai is a small, family-run brewery located in the historic fishing town of Akashi, Japan. Founded in the 1800s, it originally produced sake for local markets and fishermen—and over time, has grown into one of Japan’s most respected premium sake producers. Today, the brewery remains independent and continues to brew in small batches using traditional methods, locally sourced rice, and pure water from the region.

Akashi-Tai’s sakes are known for their clarity, balance, and expressive character—whether you’re sipping a delicately aromatic daiginjo or a rich, flavourful junmai. Their fruit-infused styles, like umeshu and yuzushu, offer a bright, modern twist on tradition.

Event Details

When: Thursday, 15th May 2025, 6:30 pm
Where: Loki Edgbaston
Price: £20 per person

*You can receive a full refund up to 30 days before the event and transfer your ticket up to 14 days before the event.
All transfers within 14 days of the event will incur a £10 fee per ticket. This is to cover the non-recoverable costs incurred by the event.