Hey, Ladies - Get Tasting!

So you’ve gone through basic training, and you’re ready to flex your skillz at a big saké (or wine) event. First time? Not to worry, just avoid the following no-no’s, and you’ll be all set.

Lipstick. Even clear gloss leaves greasy smudges on the glass. Yuck. Aesthetic concerns aside, most products are not entirely fragrance-free and can therefore interfere with objective tasting. Most of the time, I don’t wear any makeup at all. In Japan, where a full face of makeup seems to be de rigeur for even quotidian outings such as grocery shopping, this causes me to stand out a bit. But like my mama used to say, “It’s a saké tasting, honey, not a beauty pageant.”

Perfume. This is, to use the Japanese term, atarimai - only proper. In addition to addling your own olfactory senses, perfumes and colognes can intrude upon those around you, spoiling the fun and engendering grumbles and dirty looks.

Heels. Oh, I know, they’re sexy. But remember that tastings tend to be crowded affairs that require some tricky maneuvering. You will be on your feet for hours: the longest I’ve gone in one stretch is four. Moreover, should you – heaven forbid – end up doing more sipping than spitting, heels can quickly become a hazard. Nothing is more inelegant than having to peel yourself off the floor.

Heavy, oily, or strongly flavored foods. Being a little hungry sharpens the taste buds. Still, even if you spit every time, some of the alcohol will make its way into your bloodstream, so I usually have a light snack before I go. However, I try to avoid fatty, protein-rich foods like cheese, as they coat the taste buds and greatly mute the impact of a tannic wine or subtle saké.

Coffee and cigarettes. Save these for your local greasy spoon, or nights at home with Tom Waits. Nothing kills taste buds faster. Plus, the smell of cigarette smoke clings to clothing, hair, and hands. Very distracting.

Add to this list a few helpful reminders, and you’re gold.

1. If you have long hair, carry an elastic. Even those with considerable experience spitting into a bucket have the occasional accident.

2. Take notes. Trust me, you won’t remember everything.

3. Refresh your palate with water. At a saké tasting, you might be offered the water used to make the saké, or green tea. Either way, drink it.

Finally, don’t force yourself to sample everything. Unless you’re a serious professional, or you feel that you have something to prove, it’s more important to have fun!

Knowing is half the battle, but only half. If you're in the States, you might want to check out the Joy of Sake in Honolulu, SF, or NYC. If you're in Tokyo, refer to Etsuko's excellent calendar.