The Certified Sake Sommelier

The Certified Sake Sommelier is an intensive training course for sake enthusiasts and professionals who want to take their knowledge to the next level and immerse themselves in the world of sake.

During this two-day course, we dive deep into sake: from rice, water, kōji, and yeast to production methods, styles, regions, rice varieties, serving temperatures, and food pairing.

The course is taught by Jonas Kellens, Master Sake Sommelier and certified SSA Educator, and follows the international education program of the Sake Sommelier Association (SSA).

What knowledge and skills will you gain?

During the Certified Sake Sommelier course, we build on the foundations of sake and teach you to understand, taste, and interpret sake professionally. You will deepen your knowledge of the different sake categories, production methods, and styles, and discover how rice, water, kōji, yeast, and fermentation influence what ultimately ends up in the glass.

In addition, you will develop your tasting skills and learn to analyze sake based on aroma, flavor, texture, umami, and finish. You will learn not only what you taste, but above all why you taste it.

The practical side of sommellerie is also covered extensively. From the correct serving temperature and glassware selection to storage, service, and advising guests or customers on sake. You will learn how to use different styles with dishes and create well-founded food pairings, both within and beyond Japanese cuisine.

After the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to professionally taste, select, serve, pair, and recommend sake, and to communicate the story behind each sake in an accessible way.

An in-depth course in the world of sake.

• Participation in sake tastings requires prior experience, such as successfully completing a foundation course with the Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) or Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1.
• The course fee covers study materials, tuition, a guided tasting of eighteen premium sake, an official digital certificate, a sommelier pin, and lunch during the two-day course.
• An official exam consisting of 50 questions and 4 blind tastings is graded by the SSA headquarters in London.
• Participants receive an official digital certificate of participation from the prestigious Sake Sommelier Association (SSA).
• We kindly ask you not to use strong scents such as perfume, deodorant, hand cream, or lip balm.

Location
Brouwerij De Koninck

Boomgaardstraat 1, 2018 Antwerp

We can also organize a private course at a location of your choice.

Duration
2 days (14 hours)

09:30 - 16:30

Language
We offer our courses in Dutch and, upon request, in English.
Please contact us for more information.

Price
375 euros incl. VAT per person.

Course materials

You will receive preparatory documentation some time before the course. The remaining study materials will be provided on the day of the course.

Finally, a few small print details...

• You must be of legal drinking age (18+) to attend this course.
• Register now to avoid disappointment. Spread the word, and let’s discover the world of sake together.