Savor the Sophisticated Flavors of Matured Japanese Sake with a Tasting and Blending Experience in Tokyo

Discover the Charms of Finely-Matured Sake, Japan’s Best-Kept Secret

Connoisseurs of beverages like brandy, whiskey, and wine will be well-acquainted with the concept of aging, the process of allowing alcohol to mature for multiple years to transform its taste and texture. Labels of such beverages often contain such proud proclamations as “Aged 40 years” with older vintages oft prized for their rarity and quality. With Japanese sake, however, this is almost unheard of in modern times, with many casual drinkers mostly unaware that such a thing as matured Japanese sake even exists.

It has for hundreds of years, with matured varieties of sake dating back to at least the Heian period (794-1185). By the 1980s, however, matured sake was a decidedly rare commodity in Japan. This was when Nobuhiro Ueno first became aware of its charms. Inspired, he began experimenting with aging sake himself and seeking out rare varieties. Many years later, in 2023, Ueno would find himself opening Jyuku to Kan along with his friend and fellow matured sake enthusiast Takashi Mitachi.

A Personal Introduction to Matured Japanese Sake

When you first step through the sliding door of Jyuku to Kan, you will be greeted by Nobuhiro Ueno, your guide through the world of matured Japanese sake throughout the experience. Settle into your seat at the shop’s wooden bar counter to hear the story of how he first encountered matured sake.

In the 1980s, working as a bartender in the French restaurant of the highly-esteemed Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, Ueno became well acquainted with fine wine, including varieties of many different vintages. While attending the annual Tokyo Summit, Ueno was surprised when the main toast at the event was offered using Japanese sake instead of wine or champagne as was typical in the 1980s. This sparked an interest in Japanese sake that evolved into a personal passion for matured sake that has continued to this day.

Ueno discovered a kindred spirit in Takashi Mitachi, an entrepreneur and champion of Japanese arts and culture who shared his enthusiasm for the possibilities of matured sake. Working together, they opened Jyuku to Kan in Tokyo in 2023 with the goal of introducing matured sake to people from around the world.

Sit back and relax as Ueno explains the different ways of aging sake, including the use of oak barrels and sherry casks, along with the effects these processes have on the flavor, texture, and aroma of sake.

Experience the Unique Flavors of Matured Japanese Sake

With this helpful introduction fresh in mind, it is time for you to experience the unique flavors of matured Japanese sake for yourself. This exclusive tasting session includes three very different varieties of matured sake to provide you with a sense of the great range of possibilities of unique types of sake aged in different ways. A plate of dried fruits, smoked cheeses, and smoked meats will be served alongside to complement the sake.

Tenju Koshu Daiginjo, a relatively clear sake aged at low temperature for over three years for a layered palate and gentle aroma. Daruma Masamune, aged for at least 10 years at room temperature, resembles whiskey in its color and possesses a distinctly mellow flavor with a pleasant aftertaste. Coin sake, which is aged in sherry casks, provides a fascinating interplay of flavors and aftertones.

These three varieties of matured sake can be enjoyed at the bar counter, while Ueno provides detailed information about their production and qualities. You might be surprised to find that they are served in specially-designed wide-mouthed wine glasses instead of traditional ceramic or wooden sake cups. As well as showcasing the color of the sake, these glasses are ideal for appreciating the fullness of their unique aromas.

*Guests who do not drink alcohol, as well as accompanied guests aged 12 to 19, will be served one non-alcoholic beverage during the experience.

Create Your Own Special Matured Sake Blend

Like wine or whiskey, Japanese sakes can be blended. When blending, producers experiment with different sakes and proportions to create interesting new flavor and aroma profiles. At Jyuku to Kan, you will participate in a unique blending experience where you not only blend several matured sakes together but decide on the proportions, then measure and mix them yourself, all under the watchful eye of your host Ueno.

To begin, you will taste small quantities of 4 different sake varieties to ascertain their respective aspects and qualities. Choosing 3 varieties for your blend, you will then receive 3 beakers containing 70 milliliters each of those varieties. Using a pipette and measuring cylinder, you will draw out a total of approximately 30 milliliters from these 3 beakers and stir them together gently before tasting them. The ratio is entirely up to you.

A Specialty Sake Shop Dedicated to Preserving and Sharing Japanese Culture

Takashi Mitachi, representative director and chairman of Jyuku to Kan, has long been an admirer of matured Japanese sake. But he sees the shop’s mission as extending far beyond the enjoyment of these finely-aged beverages. “The popularity of matured sake extends back centuries but it has faded in recent times,” he explains. “Through sharing it with people from all over the world, I hope we can preserve this unique aspect of Japanese culture and promote its development into the future.”

Whether you already consider yourself something of a connoisseur of Japanese sake or just want to try something different during your visit to Tokyo, an evening at Jyuku to Kan will give you a whole new appreciation for the diverse world of Japanese sake. Feel free to peruse the shop’s excellent selection of matured sake, ceramics, and glassware after tasting and blending—perfect mementos to take away from this unique private experience.