Sake Sommelier Association

Sake education for every ambition.

Choose your course, then open its complete syllabus, format and certification details.

About SSA

Sake education with a global purpose.

The Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) is the first and only UK-based organisation founded in 2000 that is solely committed to sake education and promotion around the world.

The SSA pathway combines cultural understanding, tasting ability and professional service knowledge across progressive levels.

Choose your SSA course

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A unique cultural learning experience

Introductory Sake Professional

Explore sake production, varieties, tasting techniques and history in a fun and authentic Japanese way.

During the class, you will wear a traditional-style yukata (summer kimono), learn the art of using a furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloth), and take your furoshiki home.

Adults learning sake tasting and furoshiki techniques in traditional-style yukata

Cultural experience

Wear a yukataExperience a traditional-style summer kimono during the class.

Learn furoshikiPractise traditional wrapping and take your own cloth home.

Sessions

Sake History and Production

Different Styles of Sake

Sake Tasting Techniques

Sake Culture and Traditions

Sake Labelling Terms, Kanji and Classifications

Storage and Service of Sake

Sake and Food Pairing Exercise

A total of 12 sake samples will be tasted throughout the course.

Course details

Duration4 hours

FormatClassroom learning with lectures, tastings and discussions

InstructorsPassionate sake professionals and certified educators

Course materialsEnglish

LanguageEnglish

HomeworkNo homework

Requirement and certificate

Requirement: There is no prerequisite to attend. Beginners are welcome.

Exam: No exam for this course.

Certificate: Successful candidates receive a certificate and badge from the Sake Sommelier Association.

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Professional sake knowledge and service

Certified Sake Sommelier

After completing the Introductory Sake Professional course, students can explore further aspects of sake, including its variations, production methods and professional applications.

Factors such as maturity, temperature and aromatic profiles are introduced to deepen understanding. A Certified Sake Sommelier certificate and lapel pin are issued upon successful completion.

Hospitality professionals taking part in a guided sake tasting lesson

Course outline

Horizontal sake tasting by typesCompare styles through focused professional tasting.

Introducing sake to customersCommunicate sake clearly and confidently.

Professional issuesPurchasing, storage and sake vessels.

Science of umamiUnderstand umami and its relationship to sake.

Examination

40 questions + 1 sakeMultiple choice and blind tasting

45 minutesExam duration

70%Passing grade

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Unique first-hand experience with a Toji

Advanced Sake Sommelier

The Advanced Sake Sommelier course is a programme that takes place in Japan. Visit carefully handpicked sake breweries in suburban villages and beautiful traditional cities, and experience authentic sake-making processes under the guidance of a Toji (sake master).

This educational course offers an insider's view of Japan and the opportunity to learn about sake in depth. It is designed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience beyond an ordinary guidebook itinerary.

A Toji guiding sake professionals through hands-on production inside a traditional Japanese brewery

Programme experience

Learn in JapanVisit traditional cities and carefully selected brewery regions.

Enter working breweriesSee, touch and experience authentic sake-making processes.

Guidance from a TojiLearn from an experienced sake master.

Beyond the guidebookDiscover places and knowledge outside an ordinary itinerary.

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Sake education for every ambition.

Sake education with a global purpose.

Choose your SSA course

Introductory Sake Professional

Certified Sake Sommelier

Advanced Sake Sommelier

Talk with AWSEC about your sake journey.

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