Sake Sommelier Association

The Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) is a global partnership of talented sake educators who provide and accredit sake courses and work to benefit the world of sake.

Created in 2000 by sommelier Xavier Chapelou and sake expert Kumiko Ohta, the Sake Sommelier Association is the first organisation based outside of Japan that is solely committed to sake education and promotion worldwide.

For over 20 years, the Sake Sommelier Association has operated on three pillars: Education, Challenge and Competition.

Education

To help professionals and sake lovers hone their skills and knowledge, the SSA divides its main courses as follows:

• Introductory Sake Professional
  The entry-level course.
• Certified Sake Sommelier
  An in-depth course covering all the sake essentials.
• Advanced Sake Sommelier
  A course held in Japan, where sommeliers work directly in a brewery under the direction of the toji (head brewer) and sake experts, with special events at selected restaurants.
• Master Sake Sommelier
  The highest level, covering every intricate detail of the world of sake. Only a handful of sommeliers pass this prestigious course each year.

Challenge

The Sake Challenge is the first European competition dedicated solely to sake. Sake sommeliers come from around the world to find the perfect sake throughout the challenge. Due to its popularity, there are now several offshoots in various locations, which end with a special Sake Life event.

Competitions

The SSA also holds yearly competitions where sake sommeliers can test themselves, such as the Sake Sommelier of the Year. Sake sommeliers of the association can also take part in competitions as judges.

A worldwide network

Alongside the courses and competitions, the SSA offers a vast, vibrant worldwide network of sake sommeliers, importers, brewers and more.