Level 3 Exam Content

Exam

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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