JUDGING CRITERIA

The judging will be in three sessions: "sake tasting," "design," and "food pairing."

Sake Tasting Session

Thai Sake Sommeliers with extensive knowledge of Japanese sake will conduct a blind tasting using wine glasses, evaluating the color, aroma, flavor, and aftertaste.

The judging is divided into 11 categories:

Certified sake sommeliers from the Thai Sake Sommelier Association will evaluate each sake using absolute evaluation rather than comparative evaluation, utilizing a dedicated application with advanced statistical analysis to ensure fair and high-quality judging.

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Design Session

The evaluation focuses on the overall elements that influence the sake experience, such as the label, bottle shape, packaging, etc. Sake sommelier judges evaluate the bottles, labels, caps, and boxes for sophistication, appeal, and functionality suitable for the Thai market.

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Food Pairing Session

Thai Market Development & Cultural Fusion

Sakes selected through the sake tasting session (first round) will be judged on their pairing with authentic Thai cuisine. This session evaluates sake's potential through the "common context" of Thai food culture, led by top chefs pioneering the Thai culinary scene.

Purpose and Market Value:

• • Appeal through "Common Language": Demonstrate the fusion of sake with Thai-specific "sweet, spicy, sour" flavors and diverse spices
• • Sustainability and Evolution: Explore possibilities as the first step of a "historical journey" deeply connected to local food culture
• • Insight Provision: Collect knowledge directly connected to export strategy through sharp comments from chefs and SSA-trained sake sommeliers

Judges and Signature Dishes:

The pairing session proves the affinity of both cultures based on rice and fermentation, building a concrete foothold in Bangkok's premium restaurants and sophisticated young consumer market.

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