In my previous article , I explained the benefits of visiting a liquor store, so for those of you who are thinking about visiting a liquor store, I would like to give you some more specific tips on how to enjoy visiting a liquor store!
Let's talk to the store clerk
Liquor stores are often small, so first check the store and system, and if you can speak to the staff, say hello.
"This is my first time at this restaurant, and I'm new to sake. Can you teach me a bit?"
Let's talk to the store clerk.
And if the store clerk doesn't explain,
"Does this place have a corner bar or sell by weight?"
First, let's check the store's system .
If there is a corner bar, you can take your time deciding what to buy while drinking, and if they offer tastings and sales by weight, it will expand the ways you can buy.
The following are some of the unique systems used by liquor stores:
・Kakuuchi (you can drink just one drink on the spot)
・Tasting
・Sold by weight (you can buy only the amount you need using containers provided by the store or containers you bring yourself)
The above three are options unique to liquor stores, and many stores do not offer them, so if they do not specify this, you can assume that the store only sells the products .
If you would like to use the bar, please let us know, otherwise you can proceed to choosing your items.
What to tell someone when choosing a drink
Naturally, the more information a liquor store has about its customers, the more accurate their selection will be . Here, we will summarize the main points that liquor stores asked customers to tell us.
Budget and size
There are three sizes: the 720ml yongou or shigoubin, the larger 1800ml isshobin, and the small 180ml ichigoubin, but there are few brands that are ichigoubin size available at liquor stores.
A good budget to aim for is around 1,000 to 2,000 yen for a 4-go bottle , and 2,000 to 3,500 yen for a 1.8 liter bottle.
the purpose
Is it for yourself, a gift, or something to take to a drinking party with friends?
Preferences
If you have tried a particular brand before, share your impressions, or if you know you want to drink a particular type of sake, let them know.
However, this can be difficult for beginners, so in that case, tell them whether they would prefer a heavier (full-bodied) or lighter (light-bodied) beer .
Then, try to express what you would like to drink by comparing it to alcohol or food that you have a vague idea of your preferences (wine, whiskey, beer, coffee, cheese, etc.) . It is useful to explain the types you like, but remember that it is also important to explain the types of things you dislike .
Other
For other approaches, consider the following:
・Shop recommendations
・In-season foods
Famous or popular items
・Unusual things
・Tasty warm sake
・Sparkling, unpasteurized
Please use this article as a reference and try buying some sake at a liquor store. I'm sure it will be a fun experience that will get you hooked on sake!
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