A tokkuri is a container for pouring sake, but do you choose it for some reason?
Actually, the taste of sake differs depending on the material and size of the sake bottle!
In this article, we will dig deeper into sake bottles, including how to choose one and recommended products.
Why not find a special sake bottle that goes well with your favorite alcohol?
I want to see what products are available first! If so, please take a look here.
How to choose a sake carafe(Tokkuri)
Select by size
The suitable size of the sake carafe differs depending on the type of alcohol.
For example, if you are drinking cold sake, we recommend a small one so that you can finish it before it gets lukewarm.
If you are drinking warm sake slowly, we recommend a large sake carafe.
If you use a large sake carafe, you can enjoy the changing taste of the sake as the temperature changes.
Also, if you are choosing based on the number of people, you should choose 1 cup (180ml) for one person, and 2 cups (360ml) for 2 to 3 people.
Select by material
The taste changes depending on the material of the sake carafe.
It's also good to use different types of alcohol depending on the type of alcohol.
Ceramics
Ceramics are thick, so they have a good texture and give the drink a mellow taste.
Also, it has the advantage that it does not cool down easily when served hot.
It is said to be suitable for hot sake such as pure rice sake.
There is a wide variety of colors and pattern shapes, so you can enjoy the look.
Arita ware, Kutani ware, and other items with gorgeous designs and elaborate designs make great gifts.
Glass
The cool-looking, clear glass sake bottle allows you to enjoy the refreshing taste of alcohol.
Therefore, it is suitable for drinking cold sake and slightly sparkling wine.
Since you can enjoy the original aroma of Japanese sake, it is sometimes used for sake tasting.
Furthermore, it is said that the thinner ones are better suited for dry Daiginjo sake, and the thicker ones are better suited for the richer Nigori sake, so you can enjoy the difference in taste depending on the thickness.
Metals such as tin
Metallic sake carafe have high thermal conductivity and are characterized by the ability to enjoy sake in a variety of ways, from hot sake to cold sake.
Another advantage is that it is hard to break and easy to clean.
In particular, tin products, which are the most popular metal sake cups, are less likely to pick up the unpleasant taste of alcohol and offer a mellow taste. It is also characterized by its resistance to rust.
Select by functionality
Functionality is also important when choosing a sake carafe.
If you want to enjoy hot sake, check whether the material can be boiled in hot water or microwaveable.
If it is microwave safe, you can easily make hot sake as there is no need to boil water.
Recently, there are also products that can be heated evenly in the microwave to prevent temperature differences between the upper and lower layers of the sake carafe.
It's a good idea to look for something that fits your lifestyle and is easy to use.
Also, if you don't want to use a funnel when pouring sake into a sake carafe, choose one with a wide mouth.
Choose by design
Sake carafe come in a wide variety of materials, sizes, and shapes.
You can also enjoy using different items depending on the season, such as those with gold leaf for the New Year, cherry blossom patterns for spring, and Edo Kiriko for summer.
In addition, tin items with a beautiful silver luster can be used as interior decorations just by displaying them on a shelf.
The real pleasure of choosing sake vessels is to collect them one by one, paying close attention to their appearance as well as their practicality.
If you are giving it to a customer or as a gift, it would be a good idea to choose a set that comes with a choko.
Recommended sake carafe
Sake carafe, small rice white porcelain, Mino ware
A warm beige sake carafe.
It's a bit of an unusual shape, but it's stable and easy to hold, allowing you to pour smoothly.
The unobtrusive design fits any interior, so it goes well with other tableware and is easy to coordinate.
The unique bag-like shape makes it wonderful to use as a flower vase.
It fits well not only in Japanese-style rooms but also in Western spaces, so it would be great to display it as an interior decoration.
Sake carafe, ancient arabesque, porcelain, Hasami ware
A sake carafee with vivid arabesque patterns drawn on white porcelain.
Blue sake vessels are easy to match with colored plates and will go well with any menu table.
The neat shape makes it perfect for a single flower vase.
It would also be nice to just display it in your entryway or alcove.
The wide mouth makes it easy to clean.
Sake carafe, purple cloisonne, porcelain, Hasami ware
A simple-looking container with a cute gourd-like shape.
The streamlined design allows you to enjoy various combinations, such as making the choko with a gorgeous pattern.
When you grab the constriction in the center, your fingers fit perfectly, making it extremely easy to hold!
When used with matching sake cups, you can enjoy modern table coordination.
The cloisonne pattern on the top is an auspicious pattern, so it is recommended to use it on special occasions.
Sakeware Pottery Kobo Zen Katsuro Yokota
Sake vessels with a stateless atmosphere make a big impact just by having them on the dining table!
The center is wide and can hold plenty of sake.
It's the perfect size for 2 or 3 people to enjoy drinking together.
The spout faces downward, making it easy to pour by simply tilting it slightly.
The sake vessels, which are like objects like no other, become picturesque even when left on the table.
You can also put just one flower in it and use it as a vase.
Ginsai Katakuchi Pottery Akira Tsuzuki
A stylish sake bottle with a metallic luster.
This luxurious sake cup has a beautiful contrast with the black interior, making it perfect for entertaining guests or drinking on anniversaries.
The silver color on the surface allows you to enjoy the taste of deterioration over time.
When not in use, just place it on a shelf and it will become an accent in your room.
The wide opening makes it easy to clean, so it's great for everyday use.
What kind of tableware is a sake carafe?
A tokkuri is a sake cup with a narrow neck and a bulging bottom. Used to pour alcohol into a sake cup.
The origin of the word is said to come from the sound "tokutoku" (or "tokuritokuri") made when pouring sake.
Materials vary, including ceramics, glass, and tin.
The most common sizes are 1 go (180ml) and 2 go (360ml), but there are also larger ones that can hold 1 sho (1.8l).
Since when have sake carafe been used?
Tokkuri came into use around the latter half of the Muromachi period.
Initially, it seems to have been used for transporting and storing sake, soy sauce, etc.
During the Edo period, there was a system called ``kayoi-tokkuri,'' a system in which liquor stores filled sake bottles with the store's name written on them and lent the bottles to customers.
Until the early Showa era, it was common to sell alcohol in sake bottles.
How to wash and use sake bottles
Sake bottles have a special shape, so you need to be a little careful when washing them.
Also, be sure to remember some etiquette when pouring and receiving alcohol.
How to wash sake bottles
The following are precautions for washing each material.
・Ceramics
After use, soak the container in hot water for a while to remove the alcohol components that have soaked into it.
Then, use a long thin brush to wash.
There are brushes specifically designed for cleaning sake bottles, but you can also use a spout brush for teapots, etc.
After washing, be sure to dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
Place paper that won't tear easily, such as kitchen paper, inside to make it dry faster.
・Glass
For glass sake bottles, soak them in dish detergent diluted with water and rinse thoroughly.
If you are concerned about cloudiness, soak it in baking soda diluted with hot water to clear it.
Also, we do not recommend using a brush as it may cause scratches.
・Made of metal such as tin
Since it is easily dented and damaged, wash it with a soft sponge and mild dish detergent.
If it becomes cloudy, wash it with baking soda, just like you would with glass items.
Do you know? Manners when using sake carafe
Etiquette when offering drinks
When pouring sake (giving sake) using a sake bottle, hold the center with your right hand and support it with your left hand.
At that time, be careful not to let the sake bottle touch the sake cup.
If you twist your right wrist a little when you finish pouring, you can prevent the water from dripping.
Also, the amount to be poured is about 70 to 80% of the size of the cup.
It is considered bad manners to pour it all over.
・Peeking sake bottle: Peeking through the hole to see how much content is left
・Furi sake bottle: Shaking the sake bottle strongly to check the amount of alcohol
・Mixed sake bottle: Gathering the remaining sake into one sake bottle
・Toppled sake bottle: Toppling over an empty sake bottle that has been drunk
Also, it is best to avoid pouring it into the other person's cup on the table without permission.
Etiquette when receiving drinks
When someone offers you a drink, the basic rule is to hold the sake cup with both hands.
Pouring the water while it is still in the water is called "Pour it down" and is considered bad manners.
Hold the sake cup firmly between your right thumb and index finger, and place your middle and ring fingers on the bottom. Place your left hand on the bottom to support it.
When someone pours you a drink, it is good etiquette to put it on the table after touching it.
Get a special sake carafe and enjoy your daily meals more!
Sake carafe come in a wide variety of materials and designs.
Even the same alcoholic beverage has a different taste, just because the size and material are different.
It's a good idea to use different alcohols and compare them.
First, why not choose a sake carafe that matches your favorite alcoholic beverage?
Just having your favorite sake carafe will make your everyday meals more delicious and fun.
You can view the sake vessels introduced this time from this page.
If you want to know more about sake vessels, please read this article.
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Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope you all have a wonderful time with your favorite utensils.
Here is the link to the UTSUWABI website