<div><p>With today's sake drinkers increasingly informed and adventurous, now is the time for a truly expert guide to take you deeper into appreciation of this complex beverage, brewed from rice and enjoyed both warm or chilled. And what better mentor than John Gauntner, the "Sake Guy" and the world's only non-Japanese certified Master of Sake Tasting? Here in over two dozen no-holds-barred essays, John reveals "the truth about sake" from a connected insider's perspective. No other book or website presents such a knowledgeable, practical, and concise yet complete guide to sake idiosyncrasies, misperceptions, and controversies. <i>Sake Confidential</i> is the perfect FAQ for beginners, experts, and sommeliers. Indexed for easy reference with suggested brands and label photos. Includes:</P> <UL> <LI>Truths About Sake (junmai vs. non-junmai, nama-zake, aging, ginjo, warming, nigori, water, rice, regionality, dry vs. sweet) </LI> <LI>How the Sake Industry Really Works (pricing, competitions, glassware, milling, food pairing) </LI> <LI>The Brewmaster's Art Revealed (koji-making, brewmasters, aromatics, grading, mash variations) </LI> <LI>Applying What You Know (tasting, selection) </LI> <LI>Expanding Your Knowledge</LI></UL><p><b>John Gauntner</b> is recognized as the world's leading non-Japanese sake expert and educator. A resident of Japan since 1988, he has worked in the sake industry promoting and educating since 1994. Each year he conducts sake professional courses for sake professionals and aficionados, and several of his students have gone on to open thriving sake shops, breweries, and izakaya in the United States.</DIV>