Kan (warmed sake)

Kan (燗) is a way of enjoying sake by warming it, and generally refers to sake heated to 30°C or above. Different names are used depending on the temperature range. Hinatakan (日向燗) is about 30°C, nurukan (ぬる燗) is around 40°C, hitohadakan (人肌燗) is about 35°C, agekan (上燗) is around 50°C, and atsukan (あつ燗) is close to 60°C. Tobikirikan (飛び切り燗) is especially hot and can exceed 60°C. Warming changes the aroma and flavor of the sake, and it often pairs better with food. Choosing the temperature and type of kan brings out the sake's individual character and broadens the enjoyment of drinking it.