Sake Tasting in Berkeley

With as wide a range of flavors and styles as wine, the once exotic sake is now taking the country by storm.  Ordering it at your favorite Asian restaurant will yield a different result than at your neighborhood sports bar, but chances are they’ll have it both places.  For many, it’s an acquired taste, but both lovers of the drink and those trying to learn to love it, will find a warm welcome at the tasting room of Takara Sake USA headquarters.

Located in Berkeley, the tasting room reflects Takara’s commitment to conservation and eco-friendly practices, featuring reclaimed lumber and granite floor tiles made from recycled sake, beer, and whiskey bottles.  The Zen-like atmosphere offers the perfect ambiance to learn about and taste sake, helping to integrate the tradition and history of sake into your tasting experience.

The Tasting Room offers 5 course of sake tasting to choose from, from basic (an introductory variety course) to advanced (the connoisseurs course), so you’ll want to plan return visits and you refine your palate.  You’ll also learn about food and sake pairings, and how to cook with it as well.  When you fall in love with something, you’ll find it available onsite for purchase.

Location:  708 Addison Street, between 3rd & 4th Street, Berkeley (map)

Hours:  Monday – Saturday, noon – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

Fee:  $5

Photo credit: SXC