About

My name is Julian Houseman and I am on a mission to promote the wonders and joy of sake.
I’ve been in the hospitality/liquor retail industry for over ten years, working in Australia and Japan. I regularly return to Japan to keep up with what’s going on in the world of sake and am one of only a couple of Australians holding the Advanced Level Certificate of the Sake Professional Course run by the Sake Education Council and the only Australian holder of the Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier) Certification from the Sake Service Institute in Tokyo. With this blog I’m hoping to bring sake to a wider audience, dispel some myths and pull back the curtain a bit for the often misunderstood and highly underrated beverage that is Japanese sake.

Although sake consumption is on the rise in Australia, it’s not a fad. I think it’s important that the right information and education on sake is out there so people can be a bit more discerning than just ordering hot sake when out at the local Sushi Train (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
As we go along I’ll be introducing a mix of sake that are available in Australia and some that aren’t. I’ll also be looking at the venues that are taking up the challenge of promoting sake as a drink worthy of the attention that wine, beer and spirits receive. I may even go off on the odd Japanese related tangent every now and then too just to keep things colourful. All opinions are my own.

I am also available for staff training sessions or any questions you may have relating to sake in Australia or in general.
Contact: sakeaustralia@gmail.com