Hello, Mana here!
This time, I’ll discuss the “Sake Sommelier Level 3 Exam Content” in detail. After passing Levels 5 and 4, I challenged Level 3 to deepen my knowledge of sake! I will explain the exam content, scope, and difficulty in detail, hoping it will be helpful for those considering taking the exam.
What is the Sake Sommelier Level 3?
The Level 3 Sake Sommelier exam is an intermediate level examination that requires more detailed knowledge than Levels 5 and 4. It’s recommended not only for professionals in the food and tourism industries but also for those who want to enjoy sake more deeply as a hobby.
Exam Overview
- Eligibility: Anyone over the age of 20 can take the exam
- Exam Format: CBT exam (available at test centers nationwide)
- Exam Duration: 50 minutes
- Number of Questions: 50 questions (multiple-choice)
- Passing Score: 70% correct answers or higher
Scope and Difficulty of Questions
1. History and Culture of Sake
- The development of sake and characteristics of each historical period
- Changes in sake brewing during the Nara, Muromachi, and Edo periods
- Characteristics of sake from different regions
- Famous sake breweries and brands
2. Details of the Manufacturing Process
- Relationship between rice polishing ratio and flavor
- Brewing methods (such as quick fermentation, traditional slow fermentation, wooden barrel brewing)
- The mechanism of fermentation and temperature control
3. Classification and Characteristics of Sake
- Differences in specific designation sake (such as pure rice sake, ginjo, honjozo)
- Effects of sake degree and acidity
- Characteristics of aged sake, raw sake, and cloudy sake
4. Basics of Tasting
- Methods of expressing aroma (such as fruity, spicy, etc.)
- Changes in taste by temperature
- Basics of pairing with food
5. Liquor Tax Law and Drinking Manners
- Overview of Japan’s liquor tax system
- Rules and manners for serving sake
- Appropriate drinking habits
Difficulty and Preparation for Level 3
While Level 3 demands more specialized knowledge than Levels 5 and 4, a thorough study of the texts and actual sake tasting will make it easier to understand.
Summary
Obtaining the Level 3 Sake Sommelier certification will allow you to enjoy sake with deeper knowledge. If you have achieved Levels 5 and 4, definitely consider challenging Level 3!
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