Fifth Taste Sake School
Fifth Taste Sake School is the only school on the West Coast certified to teach both the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) programs, and as such, we pride ourselves on being a leader in sake education nationwide. We utilize two decades of experience in sake education to bring you classes that are approachable, informative, inclusive, and fun!
How do WSET and SSA differ? Which is better for you?
Both programs offer a strong overview of sake basics: sake making, production methods, sake styles/profiles, etc. Each course also has its own unique tasting method and will make you a much better sake taster, the way they differ: SSA is more service-oriented: focusing more on history, culture, serving etiquette and food pairing. If your goal is to become more skilled at understanding, presenting and serving sake, SSA is the place to start. WSET focuses more on brewing methods, production choices, regionality and diverse styles in greater detail. If you are looking for a deeper dive into the elements of sake making, how production choices affect the finished product, the sake industry as a whole and one of the most challenging advanced sake certifications in the world, WSET may be right for you.
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
WSET is the leading organization for wine and spirts education worldwide. With over 800 affiliate schools around the world, WSET seeks to empower professionals and enthusiasts through their comprehensive suite of qualifications and unique approach to tasting. In 2015, WSET added sake to their list of courses and has quickly become one of the leaders in comprehensive sake education. At Fifth Taste Sake School we offer both the WSET Sake Level 1 and Sake Level 3 qualifications.
WSET Level 1
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Prerequisites:
NoneClass Time:
6 hoursExam:
45 min, 30 multiple choice questionsWhat Is Covered:
• Main Ingredients of Sake• Main Production Steps of Sake
• Grades of Sake
• Styles of Sake
• Sake Labeling Terms
• Storage and Service
• Basics of Food Pairing
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The introductory sake course is the perfect entry into the world of sake. During roughly 6 hours of class time, you will learn the basics. We will cover the different grades and types of sake, taste through them together, examine the key steps in production and discuss best practices for storing and serving sake. Once you pass the multiple choice exam, you will be awarded the WSET Sake Level 1 certification and you will leave this class confident and prepared with a base of knowledge to begin your sake journey.
Level 1 Specification → -
When:
Tuesday, September 3rd 10am-5pmWhere:
Good to Eat
1298 65th St
Emeryville, CA 94608Cost: $400
WSET Level 2
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Prerequisites:
None
Class Time:
14 hours
Exam:
60 min, 50 multiple choice questionsWhat’s covered
How to describe and assess the quality of sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake ® (SAT)
The ingredients used to make sake:
This includes the ingredients that brewers are required to use and the ones they can choose. We also cover the varieties of rice that are used to make sake.
Processing the raw materials:
We cover how steamed white rice and kōji (a type of fungus used for fermentation) are made and how different styles of sake require rice with different polishing ratios and different styles of kōji.
How sake is made:
We explore all of the main techniques that are used from fermentation starter to dilution and packaging and how different choices are made when making the different styles of sake.
* Common labeling terms, including how some of the most important ones are written in Japanese. -
If you're keen to explore the world of sake, then WSET's new Level 2 Award in Sake could be the right course for you. It is intended for anyone wishing to learn about the different styles of sake and how they are made, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake focuses on how the ingredients used by brewers are processed and combined to create the many different styles of sake. It will also teach you how to describe and assess the quality of the sakes you taste. If you are a sake or hospitality professional, you’ll be able to offer valuable guidance on selection and service to your colleagues and customers. If you are a sake enthusiast, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing sakes for any occasion.
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When:
Monday, August 26th, 10am-5pm
Tuesday, August 27th 10am-5pmWhere:
Good to Eat
1298 65th St
Emeryville, CA
Cost:
$750
WSET Level 3
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Prerequisites:
WSET Sake Level 1 or similar Sake certification.
Class Time:
24 hours (plus an additional 24 hours of private study)
Exam:
Part 1: Written Exam (1:45 hour written exam) 50 multiple choice questions and 3 written answers.Part 2: Tasting Exam (30 min blind assessment of two different sakes)
What is Covered:
• Main Ingredients of Sake—In Depth• Rice Cultivation and Preparation
• Koji Production
• Fermentation, Post-Fermentation and Maturation
• Key Factors Influencing Outcomes
• Sake Kanji and Labeling
• Sake Organizations and the Sake Industry
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The advanced sake course for folks looking to take their sake education to the next level. We will go deep into all facets of this fascinating beverage over the course of 16 hours together. During the course, we will explore detailed aspects of rice types, yeast, koji making and much more. Together, we will learn WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) that will turn you into a master sake taster. The exam is a mix of multiple choice, essay, and a blind sake tasting evaluation. After successfully completing one of the world’s most difficult sake exams, you will be awarded the WSET Sake Level 3 certification and be ready to do anything in the world of sake. -
When:
Monday, October 7th, 10am-4pm
Monday, October 14th, 10am-4pm
Monday, November 4th, 10am-4pm
Monday, November 11th, 10am-4pm
Tuesday, November 12th (Exam) 10am-1pmWhere:
Good to Eat
1298 65th St
Emeryville, CA 94608
Exam:
Tuesday, November 12th (Exam) 10am-1pmCost:
$1100
Sake Sommelier Association
The Sake Sommelier Association has, for over 20 years, been at the vanguard of international sake education. As the first organization to offer sake education outside of Japan, SSA continues to satisfy the needs of sake professionals around the world. Through their courses, SSA delivers on their promise to expand the understanding and love for this delicious beverage. We offer the Introductory Sake Professional course as well as the Certified Sake Sommelier course. Start your journey to become a Sale Sommelier today!
Introductory Sake Professional Course (ISP)
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Prerequisites:
NoneClass Time:
4 hoursExam:
20 minutes, 15 multiple choice questionsWhat is Covered:
• An Introduction to Sake Production• History and Culture
• Introduction to Tasting Sake
• Serving Etiquette
• Interactive Learning Experience
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The Introductory Sake Professional course is the first step to joining the Sake Sommelier world. Designed to provide an entry into sake education without the commitment of a longer course, the Introductory Sake Professional provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and hospitality workers to expand their sake knowledge. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a lapel pin and certification as an Intro Sake Sommelier. -
When:
Sunday, July 28th 12pm-4pm
Where:
Online via ZoomCost:
$300 + $50 optional tasting kit mailed to you
Certified Sake Sommelier Course (CSS)
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Prerequisite:
ISP or similar courseClass Time:
14 hoursExam:
45 minutes, 40 multiple choice questions, one blind tasting sampleWhat is covered?
• The History and Culture of Sake
• Sake Production
• Sake Tasting and the Science of Umami
• How to Work with Sake
• Train in an Interactive, Experiential, Environment with a Focus on Workshops
• Serving Etiquette
• Sake Cocktails
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SSA’s, the Certified Sake Sommelier is a fantastic way to expand both your sake knowledge and sommelier skills. The Certified Sake Sommelier is accessible to both trained professionals and sake connoisseurs alike. The course provides a high level of sake education and practical knowledge. Upon successful completion you will receive a lapel pin and the prestigious Certified Sake Sommelier title.
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When:
Monday, September 9th 10am-4pm Tuesday, September 10th 10am-4pmWhere:
Takara Sake
708 Addison St
Berkeley, CA 94710Cost:
$900
Enroll Now
Whether you are just beginning your sake journey or are a seasoned sake pro looking to dive a little deeper, we have a class that is right for you.
Our Instructors
Jesse Pugach
Jesse’s journey to become a sake educator began back in 2005 as the Beverage Director for Ozumo Restaurant. It was here that he found a voice for demystifying sake and communicating his passion for this revered beverage. Later in his career, as a distributor sake specialist, he further honed his craft by teaching the wonders of sake to countless servers, bartenders and beverage professionals. In 2016, Jesse became a Certified Educator for WSET, administering their world-renowned sake programs and in 2022 added the prestigious Sake Sommelier Association to his educational offerings. As the founder of Fifth Taste Sake School, Jesse strives to continue spreading sake education far and wide to an inquisitive and thirsty audience.
Kerry Jo “KJ” Rizzo
KJ is a wine and sake sommelier in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has 15 years of experience in the beverage industry, most recently as Wine Director/GM of the wine bar and art gallery Hôtel Biron. In addition to her profession in wine, she specializes in sake and provides experiences and educational events to clients around the Bay Area. KJ spent 4 years working at True Sake, the first sake-only retail shop in the US. It was here that she deepened her love for sake and passion for spreading the sake gospel. In her spare time, she is a busy MW student and judges for competitions such as the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. KJ is devoted to bringing premium sake to the forefront of Americans’ minds so they can experience the magic of this delightful and inspiring beverage.