Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, which influence all aspects of life. Spring is a highlight of the calendar, renowned for the spectacular displays of sakura cherry blossoms. As soon as the trees start blooming people go out to picnic under the gorgeous flowers, and sake drinking is an essential part of this annual hanami flower-viewing tradition.

Spring sake styles reflect the season and are typically fresh and easy-drinking. Cloudy sake (nigorizake) is popular at this time of year, as is taruzake: sake stored in cedar barrel to impart a beautiful mild woody note. The sake-brewing season is in full swing this time of year, so unpasteurized arabashiri (“free-run” sake, bottled  straight from the press) is another firm favourite. We will explore all these styles and more!
This class will be great for everyone from sake novices to aficionados, and includes a tutored tasting along with a Powerpoint lecture covering spring seasonality in Japan and the unique elements of sake enjoyment at this time of year.

About the Instructor and School:

Sarah Stewart teaches on sake, wine and cheese at West London Wine School. She has extensive sake and wine qualifications, and also volunteers as the Membership & Events Officer for the British Sake Association. She lived in Japan for two years and returns annually to continue her beverage studies there. She has also trained in Urasenke chado, “The Way of Tea”, for the past 17 years, giving her hands-on experience in traditional Japanese methods of service and hospitality and a deep understanding of Japan. You can find her @sakestudies on Instagram.

West London Wine School is a local, independent and award-winning wine, sake, beer and cheese education company founded in 2010 and based in the heart of West London. Our courses and tastings focus on enjoying beverages whilst learning more in a relaxed and informal setting with friendly people and industry-leading tutors. If you know what you like and want to find out why, our tastings and courses provide the answer. In 2018 we received the prestigious WSET Educator of the Year Award for the top wine education provider globally, and have an average review score of 5 stars on Trip Advisor.

Admission: £45 per person