Become a Sake Sommelier!
The only official Certified Sake Sommelier qualification in the world! Widely recognized within the sake world, the Certified Sake Sommelier is a fantastic way to further expand your career in the sake service industry and feel comfortable conducting in-house sake training and educational programs to both members of the public and the beverage industry.
This course and exam covers the wider aspects of the sake industry, including how to work with sake, from introducing it to customers, to storage and purchasing, and the science of umami. All students who pass will receive their Certified Sake Sommelier qualification, recognized globally in the Food & Beverage industry for its high standards, and a sommelier lapel pin. Sake Sommeliers will be eligible to attend the London Sake Challenge and other Regional Sake Challenges as tasting judges; and enter the coveted Sake Sommelier of the Year competition.
Previous study of and a basic knowledge of sake is encouraged, although there are no prerequisites for the course. This course is open to beverage professionals and consumers seeking in-depth knowledge of sake.
Below is an example of the sakes we taste and the equipment we provide for you to use during the course:
– Sakes: Junmai (classic dry type), Honjozo, Junmai Daiginjo, Nigori, Yamahai or Kimoto, and a specialty sake of your choice (Taru Sake, Sparkling Sake, Genshu Sake, Kijoshu Sake, or Nama Sake)
– Tasting glasses (wine glasses) and spittoon
– Melon or peach syrup and spoon
– Cocktail shaker, ice, cocktail glasses, jigger
– Food for pairing: rice crackers, dark chocolate, kombu/seaweed, jerky
– Equipment for warming exercise: tokkuri, ochoko, tea kettle or pot
At the end of day two, there will be an exam. Those who successfully pass with a score of 70% or higher will be bestowed with the Certified Sake Sommelier qualification, and will receive a certificate and lapel pin. Those who are unsuccessful can register to resit the exam for an additional fee of $150.
This in-depth and interactive course gives participants all of the tools they need to professionally work with sake and expand their career.
Example of Day 1
The first part of the course provides students with an introduction to sake, where they begin to discover sake’s history and culture.
The first day covers:
Sake History and Culture, Sake Production, Sake Terminology and Classifications and Sake Tasting by Designation
Example of Day 2
In the second part of the course, students have an opportunity to learn about more aspects of sake, including its different styles, production methods and how to introduce it to customers. Other factors that affect sake such as maturity, temperature, and aromatic profiles are also covered in order to further students’ understanding of the drink.
The second day covers:
Sake Tasting II, Speciality and Unusual Sake, How to Introduce Sake to Customers, Professional Issues including Purchasing, Storage, and Sake Vessels and The Science of Umami and its Relationship with Sake
Event Details
Date: Multiple Dates Available
Start time: 9:30 a.m.
End time: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: The Loading Dock – (Parking available but Uber/Lyft is recommended)
Address: 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA
Email: cheers@vitishouse.com
Course Structure
One day of class, from 9:30am – 5:30pm
Test will be at the end of the second day.
Entry Requirements
There are no requirements for this introductory qualification, but the student must be of legal drinking age in order to participate in the sake tasting.
Price includes the study guide, class, printed materials, tasting, equipment to be used during the class, exam, certificate and lapel pin (if you pass the examination).
For all in-classroom qualifications, we provide students with RIEDEL glasses (wine/sake/tequila) and ISO glasses (spirits) to use during class.
Certification
This course is offered in person and the exam will be at the end of the second day of the program.
Cancellations/Refunds
All SSA courses sales are final once registration is completed. If you have any question, please send us an email to cheers@vitishouse.com.