Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited to a Sake tasting, courtesy of new Japanese restaurant Tsuru. Now, I must admit that I had my doubts. We at ViewLondon have had varying degrees of success when it comes to Sake. We’ve enjoyed the odd Sake-based cocktail at such bars as Geisha, but neat it can be a little, well, rank. Drinking fire isn’t my idea of a good night out, but whatever. In the interests of science (naturally) I decided to give it a go – and boy I’m glad I did!

Tsuru is a delightful new Japanese restaurant near London Bridge. My trepidations dissolved away as alcohol greeted me and I was gently introduced to the world of sake in the shape of a delicious cocktail – phew, something I know a lot about!

Firstly, we were taught Sake etiquette:

1. Never pour your own Sake (result! Being waited on is never a bad thing in my book).
2. You must always hold the Sake cup up when it’s being poured and cannot place it down on the table until you’ve had a sip (this was also fine by me – I chuffed my Sake down gleefully, ruining the third rule…)
3. Sip slowly and don’t gulp down the Sake (oopsy).

So far I was loving the rules. Then came the Sake. Closing my eyes and preparing for the toxic, gagging reflex to kick in I was delighted (OK, relieved) to find it slipped down easily. Hmmm, that’s not right, is it? Actually, that’s how Sake SHOULD taste – who knew? From Ozeki Ginkan to Migaki Niwari Sanbu and Akashidai Daiginjyo, the different subtle flavours and textures came through lightly and deliciously.

However, unsurprisingly for one with expensive tastes (oh yes sweetie dahling), my absolute favourite was the Japanese equivalent to Champagne – a sparkling Sake called Houhoushu. One of my table buddies remarked it was too much like pear drops for her tastes, but that was exactly what I loved about it. Sweet and easy to devour (a little too easy I discovered as the air hit me outside at the end of the night!), it was delicious and totally changed my opinions of Sake. Instead of adding alcohol to these drinks as they do in this country, these Japanese examples were pure – and they don’t even cost an arm and a leg. £20 a bottle, it’s a great alternative to wine.

Feeling a little jealous? Never fear guys and gals, Tsuru regularly hold Sake tasting events and you can buy quality examples of the drink in the restaurant – it’s definitely worth heading along for a tipple.

Konpai! (That’s cheers to you and me).