Chirori
ちろり
定義
A traditional tin or copper vessel used for warming sake. The chirori has a handle and pouring lip, designed to be placed in hot water. Tin chirori are prized for their rapid, even heat transfer and the belief that tin mellows sake flavor.
詳細解説
Chirori come in various sizes, typically holding 180ml (ichigo) to 360ml (nigo). Tin (suzu) is the most prestigious material, valued for its high thermal conductivity and the Japanese belief that tin ions subtly improve sake taste by absorbing sulfur compounds. Copper chirori heat even faster but require more maintenance. The chirori is placed in a pot of hot water (yu-sen method) and removed when the sake reaches the desired temperature — experienced users judge temperature by touching the chirori's body.