Certified Sake Sommelier

This 2-day course covers the broader aspects of the sake industry, including how to work with sake, from introducing it to customers, to storage and purchasing. We also delve into the science of Umami; and taste a multitude of different sake. All students who pass will receive their Certified Sake Sommelier qualification – recognised globally in the Food & Beverage industry for its high standards – and a sommelier lapel pin. Sake Sommeliers will be eligible to attend the London Sake Challenge and other Regional Sake Challenges as tasting judges as well as enter the coveted Sake Sommelier of the Year competition. The Certified Sake Sommelier is the SSA’s flagship course. Lasting a few days, this in-depth and interactive course gives participants all of the tools they need to professionally work with sake and expand their career. The course is accessible for professionals and connoisseurs alike. As a practical course, the Certified Sake Sommelier includes multiple workshops and interactive elements to keep students engaged, give them all the skills they need: whether working with customers in a restaurant, distributing products to clients, or impressing friends over dinner! The program starts by providing students with a guide to sake heritage. In the later parts of the course, students have an opportunity to learn about more aspects of sake, including its different styles, production methods and how to introduce it to customers. Other factors that affect sake such as maturity, temperature, and aromatic profiles are also covered in order to further students’ understanding of the drink. Upon passing the exam, students are officially Sake Sommeliers and receive lapel pins and certificates.