Nomikiri (sampling stored sake to check its condition)

Nomikiri (also read nonkiri) refers to the practice of taking a small amount of sake from storage to check its quality and condition. In this process, changes in the sake's flavor and aroma, the progress of aging, and the presence or absence of hiochi (deterioration caused by oxidation) are evaluated. Nomikiri is an important step for understanding the state of the sake during brewing and storage, and it serves as a means of managing sake quality. It is usually carried out from the spigot of the storage tank.