Taru-zake
樽酒
Définition
Sake stored or served in wooden (typically cedar/sugi) barrels, absorbing the wood's distinctive aroma. Taru-zake has a characteristic woody, resinous fragrance that pairs well with celebrations and outdoor drinking.
En profondeur
Historically, all sake was stored and transported in cedar barrels, so every sake was effectively taru-zake. As glass and enamel-lined tanks replaced wood in the 20th century, the cedar-infused flavor became a specialty rather than the norm. Modern taru-zake is made by transferring sake to cedar barrels for a controlled period — typically a few days to a few weeks — to absorb the desired degree of wood character. Too much contact produces overpowering cedar; too little adds nothing. Taru-zake is the traditional sake of kagami-biraki ceremonies and is strongly associated with festive occasions.