The information in this column usually covers the gamut of sake nomenclature, types and brewing methods, as well as culture, history and the occasional oddities. But beyond the single recommendation in each column, rarely does it address the question, "So, uh, what are the good sake? What should I be drinking?"

That's a tough one for me to answer. What tastes good to me may not taste the same to you, and what you prize may not impress me. However, since most people don't have the time or the liver to drink sake from all of Japan's 1,600 or so breweries, they gladly welcome recommendations.

The opinion of one person -- no matter who that might be -- is obviously limited in its usefulness. So it's helpful to look at what sake lovers in Japan prefer to imbibe, since such information can be tremendously useful when making a decision at a restaurant or a shop.