AFWS seeks out UK Sake Sommelier of the Year

By Emily Kearns, Richard Siddle

Published: 08 August, 2013

The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) together with the London-based Sake Sommelier Association is on the search for the UK Sake Sommelier of the Year.

The competition, thought to be the first of its kind to be held outside of Japan, and sponsored by sake producer Gekkeikan, is open to all sommeliers including accredited sake sommeliers.

John Croft, AFWS executive director, said: "Sake is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and consumers are becoming more aware of the different sakes available and the way it should be served. We are delighted to join forces with the Sake Sommelier Association to launch and run this fascinating competition, which can only help broaden people's understanding of sake and the complexities of its production and service."

Entrants to the competition will be sent a first round questionnaire. The competition semi-final and final will be held on November 11 at London's Westbury Hotel and will involve blind tastings, food-matching tests and errors on a sake list.

The winner will receive a fully funded trip to Japan to take the five-day Sake Sommelier Association Advanced Sake Sommelier course.

Further information on the competition and the masterclass can be found at afws.co.uk/events and sakesommelierassociation.com.

A masterclass is being held to celebrate the launch of the competition at Harrods Tasting room on August 19.

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