Sake Tasting in Europe

Sake has moved from niche curiosity to a regular feature on wine lists, specialty bars, and shop shelves across Europe. Exports hit a record in 2024, and European cities are building their own ecosystems of breweries, educators, festivals, and fans [1].

The Market at a Glance

Japan’s 2024 export value reached ¥43.5 billion (+6% YoY) with shipments to a record 80 countries, underscoring demand that increasingly includes the EU and UK. Analysts also project steady growth in Europe in the years ahead [2].

Where to Drink It

• London — Deep sake lists in fine dining and cocktail bars, plus the UK’s first urban sake brewery and taproom, Kanpai, pouring fresh, local nama by the glass [3].
• Paris — A cluster of dedicated spots and restaurants championing pairings and by-the-glass offerings [4].

European Breweries to Know

• Kanpai London (UK) — First sake brewery in the country (est. 2016), now on the Bermondsey Beer Mile with a public taproom, tours, and seasonal releases [5].
• Les Larmes du Levant (France) — Produces junmai sakes with a Franco-Japanese approach, sourcing key materials from Japan [6].
• WAKAZE (Paris) — Brewing “made-in-France” sake with Camargue rice and wine yeast, plus an izakaya in the capital [7].
• Dojima (UK, Cambridge) — Japanese-owned brewery on the Fordham Abbey estate offering tours and aged kijoshu bottlings [8].

Historic note: Norway’s Nøgne Ø once ran Europe’s first sake project; production ended in 2018 [9].

Festivals and Community Touchpoints

• Salon du Saké (Paris) — Europe’s flagship sake fair, returning Oct 4–6, 2025, with tastings, masterclasses, and trade networking [10].
• Brewery Tastings & Tours — Kanpai’s regular events and visiting brewers from Japan help demystify sake styles [11].

Education and Certification

• WSET School London — Offers Level 1–3 sake courses throughout the year [12].
• Sake Sommelier Association — Headquartered in London with courses via its Sake Sommelier Academy [13].

What’s Trending

• Premiumisation and Breadth — Sparkling, aged, and terroir-driven styles are gaining traction [14].
• Cross-Cuisine Pairings — From West African tasting menus in London to bistros in Paris, sake is riding the “drink it like wine” wave [15].
• Local Ingredients & Euro-Terroir — French breweries (notably WAKAZE) highlight Camargue rice and wine yeast [16].

Practical Starting Points

• Find a Pour: Start in Paris (Kunitoraya, Stand Tora) or London (Roketsu, Ikoyi) [17].
• Visit a Brewery: Book Kanpai in London or Dojima near Cambridge [18].
• Learn the Basics: Take a WSET Level 1 day course [19].

References

1. Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association Export Data (2024)
2. Expert Market Research – Sake Industry Growth
3. Financial Times – London Sake Scene
4. Decanter – Paris Sake Guide
5. Kanpai London – Official Site
6. Les Larmes du Levant – Official Site
7. WAKAZE – Official Site
8. Dojima Sake Brewery – Official Site
9. Nøgne Ø Sake History
10. Salon du Saké – Official Site
11. Kanpai London – Events
12. WSET School London – Sake Courses
13. Sake Sommelier Association – Official Site
14. Sakura Sake Ten – Market Trends
15. Financial Times – Sake Pairings
16. The Drinks Business – Sake Rice in Europe
17. Decanter – Paris Sake Picks
18. Dojima Brewery Tour Info
19. WSET Level 1 Course Info