First awarded 2013 | ||
Official website | ||
Sake Sommelier of the Year is an annual competition jointly organised by the Sake Sommelier Association. Held in London it is the first of its kind to be held outside Japan. The competition aims to find the most skillful Sake Sommeliers bringing them to the attention of their customers and raising the profile of their establishments. More than 50 sommeliers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East entered the first competition in 2013.
Contents
Judging Process
An enormous amount of learning and confidence-building takes place by taking part in the competition.
The Sake Sommelier of the Year judging panels
The competition's judging panel represent a countrywide mix of the most experienced, innovative, respected and awarded faces in the industry including founders of Sake Sommelier Association
Overall Winners 2013 - 2016
The Sake Sommelier of the Year is held annually and is sponsored by one of the world's oldest family-ownded sake companies Gekkeikan .
The first competition was held on 11 November 2013 at the Westbury Hotel in London, and was won by UAE Sommelier Rajan Rengasamy, wine supplier Spinneys.
In 2014, the Sake Sommelier of the Year was held on 24 November at the Westbury Hotel in London for the second time and was won by Noel Pusch of Zuma Abu Dhabi.
In 2015, the competition was held on the 23rd November at the Millennium Hotel, Knightsbridge London and was won by Miguel A. Hernandez of Kouzu.
In 2016, the most recent competition was held on the 21st of November at the Millennium Hotel, Knightsbridge London and was won by Venkadesh Thanga Mariappan of the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Tower Hotel, UAE.
The winner of the Sake Sommelier of the Year will win a unique trip to Japan.