Sake Personality Quiz II

In preparation for my next Sake Fundamentals tasting session with Elizabeth Andoh, I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the lesser-known varieties of sake - namazake, nigori-zake, kimoto, and yamahai. As a result, I’ve come up with my second, more in-depth sake personality quiz. Knock yourselves out, and don't forget to sign up for our next class!


1. Which place most appeals to you?

a) France
b) USA
c) Africa
d) India
e) Thailand

2. What’s your idea of an intellectual challenge?

a) performance art
b) writing poetry
c) composing music
d) writing a novel
e) sudoku

3. Which is your power animal?

a) the hippopotamus
b) the octopus
c) the pink flamingo
d) the psychedelic frog
e) the white dove

4. What’s your idea of a fun date?

a) a night at the symphony/opera
b) bungee jumping
c) dinner at Ryugin
d) dinner at Gonpachi
e) having a few drinks, and then who knows?

5. What’s your winter comfort food?

a) spaghetti and tomato sauce with anchovies
b) beef stew
c) potato and leek soup
d) Thai curry
e) mushroom risotto

Answers:
1. a-1, b-3, c-5, d-4, e -2
2. a- 2, b-1, c-4, d-5, e-3
3. a-5, b-4, c-3, d-2, e-1
4. a-4, b-2, c-1, d-3, e-5
5. a-2, b-5, c-1, d-3, e-4

5 – 9 points: Ginjo
People love: Your poise and charm. You have an eye for quality and respect craftsmanship. You are likable and have the ability to make people feel special.
The problem: Your passive aggressiveness. When you don’t get on with someone, you usually either turn off or turn bitter. You have a tendency to toward self-importance and are easily slighted.
Tunes for your I-pod: “For Emma” by Bon Iver; “Aguas de Marco” by Bebel Gilberto

10 – 13 points: Namazake
People love: Your exuberance. You have an irrepressible optimism that can keep the party going. People are attracted to your off-beat sense of style. You make people feel alive.
The problem: Your immaturity. You are competitive in nature and can sometimes come on too strong.
Tunes for your I-pod: “Mansard Roof” by Vampire Weekend; “Simply Beautiful” by Arto Lindasy

14 – 18 points: Nigori-sake
People love: Your approachablilty. Accessible but not anodyne, you are refreshingly open-minded, fun-loving, and don’t give a fig if people think you’re cheesy.
The problem: You tend to be a little cheesy.
Tunes for your I-pod: “Lovers in Japan” by Coldplay; “Love Generation” by Bob Sinclar

19 – 22 points: Kimoto
People love: Your character. You possess a quiet, simmering power. What can I say? You rock it old school but are always looking forward. You’re full of funk, soul, and groove, and can bring out the best in people.
The problem: Your obstinance. If things don’t go your way, relationships tend to sour quickly.
Tunes for your I-pod: “Bonita Applebaum” by Tribe Called Quest; “Take Your Time” by Al Green (featuring Corinne Bailey Rae)

23- 25 points: Yamahai
People love: Your depth. Though often bold, at times you reveal astounding sensitivity. You’re complex, and you keep it real. You can persuade people to do things they never dreamed of.
The problem: Your dark side. At times brusque and sardonic, you can sometimes go too far. Your appearance at a party is frequently met with, “Who the f*** is that?”
Tunes for your I-pod: "Papa was a Rodeo" by Magnetic Fields; "Eggs and Sausage" by Tom Waits.