So, I have created a few sake lists…but those lists were not really Australia-specific.

Here’s the top sake brands you can buy and drink in Australia right now. We might not have the incredible variety the sake drinkers enjoy in Japan, or even US, but we do have some real gems!

In no particular order:

1. Dassai – a sleek marketing machine of brand, Dassai has established its presence at top restaurants all over the world. Aromatic, delicate and delicious. Dassai 50 is my favourite. I’ve seen it on the menu at Izakaya Masuya and Toko in Sydney. Plenty of other places probably have it too.

2. Hakkaisan –slightly heavier than typical Niigata style but very clean and crisp. Very popular in both Japan and overseas.

3. Kozaemon – a popular brand in Gifu, exclusively imported by the Sake restaurant. Drink it at their Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane branches.

4. Kubota – anther clean and smooth representative of Niigata prefecture style, very popular. Masuya, Toko, Sokyo, Azuma all have it on their menus – I am sure it can be found elsewhere, too.

5. Nanbu Bijin (Southern Beauty) – elegant, aromatic, exquisite. Toko, Sokyo.

6. Eikun – typical example of Kyoto elegance. “Ichigin” is their proudest representative, expensive and splendid. Worth the price tag. I have seen it for sale online, just a quick Google away.

7. Nagaragawa – they play healing music to the sake while it’s brewing. The result is beautiful indeed. Chef’s Armoury are the exclusive importers. Smart move! Get it online or in their Melbourne store.

8. Nabeshima – very popular and demand outstrips supply in Japan. We are quite fortunate to have it in Australia. Pop into Annandale cellars (or their online store), or dine in style at Mr Wong. This is the importer Black Market’s bestselling sake, so many a trendy restaurant in capital cities will feature it on their wine/sake lists.

9. Otokoyama – a well-brewed, inexpensive, hugely popular brand from Hokkaido. Order it at Mr Wong, the cheapest sake on the menu. Available online.

10. Tatsuriki – sake from the famous brewing area of Hyogo that has been winning plenty of critical acclaim during its 95 year history. Definitely one of the top brands in Japan but is currently flying under the radar in Australia. Buy it online.

Want to read more about sake? I am the official Australian reseller of Sake Today magazine, the first ever English-language publication dedicated solely to sake.