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Sake: Japan’s ‘divine gift’ given special status by Unesco
Rice wine enshrined as part of ‘cultural heritage of humanity’
Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It’s brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savoured in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts.
Now, the smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan’s culinary traditions – and is a favoured tipple of celebrities such as Cate Blanchett – has been enshrined by Unesco, which has put it on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity”.