TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Enquires to: sake@oakbarrel.com.au
SUNDAY 26TH MAY
$450 inclusive of ticket, tastings, and certifcation.
Interested in kickstarting your sake journey?
The Sake Sommelier Association's Introductory Sake Professional Course is here!
Designed for future sake enthusiasts who are just starting off, this one day course is the first step to entering the wondering world of sake and food matching; a taste for your next trip to Japan and an entry to Sake Sommelier. The course aims to provide a foundation for understanding the various types of sake, the production process, and the terminology used in the industry
This course is a unique gateway to your start understanding the values of sake with food pairing, sure to help you stand out with an alternative to traditional wine served at the dining table.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Arriving in Sydney for the first time, the Introductory Sake Professionals Course is designed and accredited by the UK-based Sake Sommelier Assocciation, and aims to provide an entry into sake education without the commitment of a longer course, and best suited for sake enthusiasts and hospitality workers looking to expand their sake knowledge.
The course starts with an overview of the history and culture of sake in Japan, including the role of sake in traditional Japanese ceremonies and customs, as well as the modern-day popularity of sake in Japan and around the world.
We will cover the production process of sake, including the key ingredients (rice, water, yeast, and koji), the different methods of brewing, and the role of polishing the rice in creating different grades of sake. We will introduce, and taste the various types of sake, including Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, and Nigori. Students learn how to identify these types by their flavour profiles, aroma, and texture.
Finally, we will cover the basics of sake serving and pairing, including the ideal temperature and glassware for different types of sake, and the best food pairings to complement the flavors of sake.
There is a brief exam at the end of the last class and successful students will receive a Lapel Pin and a Certificate from the Sake Sommelier Association.
Further details on the the course, its structure, requirements, and the individuals involved are provided below. Tickets are available through Kodawari Sake Education (the franchisee for the SSA's Courses in Australia), to which a link has been supplied.
Places are strictly limited (6 spots only!) and will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. We encourage all who are interested to reach out with any questions they may have about the course.
We hope to see you there!
Kanpai!
MORE LINKS
- Kowdawari Sake Education's webpage on this course
- Sake Sommelier's Assoication's webpage on this certification
WHAT: SSA Certified Introductory Sake Professional Course
WHERE: The Oak Barrel, 152 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW, 2000
WHEN: Sunday 26th May
TYPE: In-person only
PRICE: $450
ABOUT THE SAKE SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION
The Sake Sommelier Association is the first and only UK-based organisation that is solely committed to sake education and promotion around the world. Established in 2000, the SSA has been the world’s leading sake education provider with innovative courses expertly tailored to suit students from all backgrounds and cultures.
In addition to the Introductory Sake Professional Course, the SSA also operates the Sake Sommelier Course in Australia, the next session of which will take place at The Oak Barrel on Monday 20th May to Wednesday 22nd May.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Guy Vaillant
Guy Vaillant is both a friend and customer of The Oak Barrel, a recent graduate of the SSA's Sake Sommelier Course, and has been involved in the food and wine industry since 1985.
It all began as a Sommelier at a two star restaurant in Brussells — prior to that a one star restaurant in Luxembourg — where he was always in charge of the cellar and did a lot of his Sommelier training. From there he spent two years in England for more Sommelier training before coming to Australia.
In 1997, he then started his own consultancy business working wine lists, staff training and exporting (mainly to Asia) before joining Dan Murphy’s in 2010.
Speaking in his authentic French accent, he explains how there is real teamwork between himself and the chef in creating the carefully thought out menu and their matching wines for each course. Guy’s particularly charming, easygoing personality, coupled with his impressive work history and experience makes him the perfect host for this course.
“Firstly, you look at the ingredients of both the wine and the food, then you look at the spice, what sauce base…if it’s tomato, cream, etc…wine can have high acid, have more fruit or more tannin…it’s matched accordingly”
Sandra Gwee (Kodawari Sake Education)
Sandra Gwee - 'The Queen of Sake' in Perth - has been a SSA Certified Sake Educator & Scholar since 2019 and a core part of the WA sake scene in years prior and following. Through her sake education & consultancy company Kodawari Sake and her specialty liquor store Sake World, she aims to bring sake and Japanese hospitality to the forefront of Australia's retail, dining, and entertianment scene.
Through Kodawari Sake Education, Sandra operates as the Franchisee and Lead Coordinator for the SSAs programs in Australia. Without her support and guidance this course would not be possible, so to her we extend our gratitude and appreciate.
Here's to elevating your sake experience in Australia!
- Group:
- Sake & Shochu
