You already know how to taste sake — you just haven't tried it yet.

If you can evaluate a wine, a spirit, or a cocktail, you already have everything you need to taste and talk about sake with confidence. This class will walk you through the fundamentals — aroma, texture, balance, umami — while covering the current sake market, standout breweries, and how this ancient ingredient is finding its way into modern cocktails. You'll leave with the confidence to explore, order, and talk about sake like you've been drinking it for years.

Why You Should Attend:

• How to evaluate sake using the palate skills you already have, including aroma, texture, balance, and umami -- plus a guided tasting of curated brands and breweries

• How sake works as a cocktail ingredient and what current trends are shaping the world of modern drinking

• Practical tools for navigating sake for yourself, from understanding low-ABV options to finding the right bottle for any occasion

PRESENTED BY

Quan Liang

International Sake Sommelier
Sake Noire

Quan Liang is a Seattle-based sake specialist, sommelier, and creative entrepreneur whose passion for Japanese culture and libations has shaped a career spanning both coasts. Originally from Boston, she began her journey into sake while studying at art college, going on to build her expertise across a range of Japanese and Asian fusion establishments — from Sushi Kappo Tamura and Sushi Kashiba to Kamonegi and Hannyatou sake bar, where she managed the bar program. Her credentials are extensive: she holds certification as an International Sake Sommelier through both the Sake School of America and the Sake Service Institute, a Shochu Advisor designation, a Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course, and most recently, her WSET Level 3 Sake Certification.

Beyond her role as a Sake Specialist at a national distribution company, Quan channels her creativity into curated sake and jazz pop-up experiences, where she designs menus, crafts inventive cocktails, and selects standout sakes to bring the two art forms together. Now, she's taking her next bold step: opening Sake Noire, a sake bar coming soon to South Seattle. A digital artist and lifelong enthusiast of Japanese cuisine and culture, she brings a rare combination of technical expertise, hospitality experience, and genuine passion to everything she pours.

CARNIVAL OF COCKTAILS: LEARNING LAB Session

This session is part of the Carnival of Cocktails and attendees must have a Carnival of Cocktails pass to attend. Because these sessions are intimate and high-demand, registration is handled on-site and day-of. * Claim Your Spot: Head to the Learning Lab Desk (Level 2) as soon as you arrive at the event to reserve your seat for that day's schedule.

• The Tasting Experience: To participate in guided tastings and flight samples, attendees will apply drink tickets toward their session entry.

• "Dry Seats" Available: Just here for the knowledge? We offer "Dry Seats" for those who want to audit the seminar and soak up the expertise without sampling the product (no tickets required!).