One of the most appealing aspects of sake, in my opinion, is that it is both simple and complex at the same time. And this same observation can be applied to just about any aspect of the sake world. For starters, one needs to know very little about sake to begin to appreciate it. It’s usually fairly priced, so the more you pay, the more you get. Drink ginjo to stay safely in the top 10 percent. Drink it young and slightly chilled. Using wine glasses works well. That right there is enough to carry you far and allow you to enjoy sake without further knowledge.
However, there are exceptions to each one of those seemingly simple principles, and that is where sake really gets interesting. Go just below the surface of the basics, and an incredibly broad, subtle, and deliciously vague world opens up to you. Remember, it is okay to keep things simple! But if you choose to embark upon it, the sake path is long, winding, and immensely interesting.
–by John Gauntner, from Sake Confidential: A Beyond-the-Basics Guide to Understanding, Tasting, Selection, and Enjoyment
[amazon asin=1611720141&template=book-link]
