Kanpai to Sake Day: October 1

It is my fervent hope that you will raise at least one glass of sake to celebrate Sake Day.

You might be more familiar with Cabernet Day or Chardonnay Day, but they have only been around for about two years. On the other hand, Sake Day ("Nihonshu no Hi") originated over thirty years ago, in 1978, by a declaration of the Japan Saké Brewers Association. It is celebrated worldwide, though celebrations in the Boston area are still very sparse. Other U.S. regions, from New York City to Portland, Oregon, are more proactive in holding sake celebrations.

Why was October 1 chosen? Interestingly, the Chinese character for Saké (酒) is very similar to the Chinese zodiac sign for the Rooster (酉), the tenth sign. Thus, the first day of the tenth month, October, became Saké Day. It is likely also due in part to the fact that October is generally the start of the Saké brewing season.

This year, October 1 is a Saturday so feel free to celebrate Sake Day all weekend. I am hoping that local wine stores and restaurants will do something to celebrate, whether it is a tasting, class or dinner. If you need any help, feel free to contact me. For everyone else, please attend a Sake event or hold one at your own home. At the very least, drink some Sake!

To help you plan and run your own Sake events, the good people at SakeOne brewery in Oregon have put together some helpful papers and documents. These are all free downloadable, editable PDFs, including invites, menus, bottle place cards, info sheets and more.

Kanpai!