Advanced Sake Studies Certification // Nov 3rd & 10th

Elevate your sake expertise with the Advanced Sake Studies Certification Course, a comprehensive two-day program designed for hospitality professionals, beverage educators, and passionate enthusiasts who want to deepen their sake knowledge and earn an advanced credential in Sake Studies.

Held over two consecutive Mondays at Brooklyn Kura, this course blends classroom study, guided tastings, and hands-on brewery experience to provide an immersive journey into the world of sake.

Course Days:
Note: this course takes place over two consecutive Mondays.
Monday Nov 3rd 10:00am – 5:00pm
Monday Nov 10th 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sake Theory Topics Covered:
* Sake Ingredients. Deep dive into rice, water, yeast, and koji, and how each shapes the final brew.
* Sake Rice Varieties. Explore the traits of Japan’s leading sake-brewing rice (shuzokotekimai) such as Yamada Nishiki, Omachi, and Gohyakumangoku.
* Sake Classifications. Understand the grading system, milling rates, and labeling requirements.
* Sake Production Styles. From kimoto and yamahai to sparkling and aged sake, learn how style influences character.
* Sake History. Trace sake’s cultural and historical evolution across centuries.
* Sake Service, Sales, Etiquette & Hospitality. Professional standards for service, storage, and customer experience.
* Sake Tasting & Blind Tasting Practice. Build your palate and sensory analysis skills through structured blind sake tasting practice.

Special Course Offering
Unique to this program, participants will engage in actual sake production work inside the Brooklyn Kura sake brewery, experiencing firsthand the techniques, experience and traditions of sake brewing. This will give you hands-on training with our brewers, is something that is only available in our program.

Examination & Certification
To achieve certification, participants will complete a final in-person exam that includes:
Theory Questions covering course content
Short-Form Essay Responses to demonstrate applied knowledge
Blind Tasting Assessment to evaluate sensory and analytical skills
Successful candidates will be awarded the Advanced Sake Studies Certification and lapel pin, recognizing advanced-level knowledge and professional competency in sake.

Exam will take place in-person at Brooklyn Kura and will be scheduled at a day and time convenient to our students.