If drinking sake alone can transport you to a unique state of mind, enhancing this experience with music that matches the ambiance of the drink can make it even more enjoyable and relaxing. The music of the shakuhachi or koto, classical music, natural sounds from the environment where the sake is produced, artists connected to the region, etc., all have the potential to enhance our appreciation of the sake's quality. With this in mind, the ultimate experience would be music composed specifically for sake tasting, performed by musicians gathered for the occasion. It might be time to reintroduce sake culture abroad.
Nothing beats smart background music to liven up a conversation with a glass of wine or sake in hand, and ideas are easier to come by with music than in silence. A friend mentions wanting to listen to Beethoven in tough times and probably Mozart on their deathbed. Another remains steadfast to J. Strauss, in joy and in sorrow.
There was a time when jazz cafés were trendy in Japan, but recently, these Japanese-style listening bars have appeared in London and Paris. Meeting the master of the place makes one want to ask: "What is the right way to drink sake?". The expectation here is not an answer about quantity or manners but rather an exploration of the various correct ways to drink sake. If the host turns out to be an expert in Japanese culture, it might be interesting to ask them: "Why don't you mix sake as you do with whisky?".
Many sake breweries avoid blending their sake for fear of compromising the authenticity of the taste. Of course, in recent years, some producers have developed different styles of sake to find new ideas. Sake champagne, for example. However, this strays from the traditional approach and is not very common among brewers who continue to seek the authentic taste of sake.
Far from reducing the concept of sake to an empty shell, the fact that each sake brewery offers different tastes contributes to the enrichment of sake culture. Sake tasting can be similar to listening to music: just as a music lover who only listens to piano might suddenly awaken to the charms of the organ, appreciating the flavors of sake in its regionality allows one to deepen their knowledge and refine their palate. Your favorite sake's appeal will not lessen, while you will likely be more capable of analyzing why you prefer it over others.