JSS going strong with ASI

The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) partnered with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in 2022 in a strategic move to make sake something wine sommeliers need to know about.

JSS kept hammering home that message at the ASI meeting in Belgrade in November 2024, supplying a wide range of sake–sparkling, nama, low-alcohol, koshu–for sommeliers to taste and get to know.

Sake also featured in the final round of the competition, where competitors not only had to select a sake for a customer and suggest food pairings, but were asked to identify what was shown in a photo and what part of the sake brewing process was involved. How many do you think were able to identify a koji room?

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When I was at the sake stand for the awards ceremony of a certain international wine and sake competition not that long ago, someone working at a major wine importer asked me if sake had red and white like wine, so I wish the JSS lots of luck.

“Can sommeliers afford to ignore sake?” (The Drinks Business, 9 Jan 2025)
“Japanese Sake Becomes a Must-Learn Category for Top Sommeliers” (Wine Industry Advisor, 21 Jan 2025)
“Japanese sake takes center stage at ASI Championship” (Vinetur, 21 Jan 2025)