Sake

With an alcohol content that is staggeringly higher than most wines, Sake is a delectable rice wine that also doubles up as a great souvenir to bring home from your travels around Japan. Available in a plethora of flavours ranging from Fuji apple, coffee and lychee to cherry, peach and plum, Sake does not actually taste like wine at all. As outlandish as this sounds, it is more of a beer-infused vodka considering its harsh aftertaste. The initial flavours are, however, rather subtle with sweet, dry and fruity undertones. While wine goes with different kinds of food, Sake is best enjoyed on its own if the Japanese are to be believed. And if you are famished and do not care much about sophistication, a fish preparation should do justice to your drink.

The beverage is available in some beautifully crafted and surprisingly huge bottles, some with a stylish frosty outer surface and others with the classic glossy exterior. These can be bought from major liquor stores, souvenir shops (especially those at train stations and hotels) and supermarkets. The cardinal rule is pretty much standard—the more expensive the bottle, the better the strength and taste. However, make sure you sample all flavours before buying them because some can taste quite revolting and overpowering. And don’t worry, the Japanese are usually very generous with samples.