There are quite a few good books for sake beginners that introduce concepts like how it's made, the different classifications, and the basic history. There are also very technical books that go into the chemistry and technical details of brewing and flavor.

This might be the only book that is both.

I've yet to encounter such a comprehensive discussion of sake-its history, its brewing, and the figures who have guided them both.

You can start this book from zero knowledge and end up with an admirable understanding of Japan's national drink after finishing. It's a truly well researched, nearly exhaustive look at sake. It's not as technical (or difficult) as Gautier Rousille's Nihonshu, or as intimate as John Gauntner's Sake: The Hidden Stories, but exists as a bridge between them.

The tasting notes at the end offer a look at many of the most important modern brands, but tasting notes are always exercises in subjectivity so don't get too caught up in them.

Overall, this is a stellar addition to the English language sake library.

Jump on it.