The size of a bottle of sake can vary depending on the region and the intended use. One common size is the 720ml bottle, which is often referred to as a “4-go” bottle. The term “go” is a Japanese unit of measurement that is equivalent to approximately 180ml. Therefore, a 4-go bottle would contain approximately four servings of sake.
The use of the term “4-go” to describe the 720ml bottle has its roots in traditional Japanese sake culture. In the past, sake was often served in small ceramic cups called “ochoko,” which held about 45ml of liquid. A standard serving of sake was considered to be one ochoko, so a 4-go bottle would contain enough sake to fill four of these cups.
It is interesting to note that the 720ml size became popular around the beginning of the 20th century when glass bottling techniques were introduced to Japan. Prior to this, sake was typically sold in larger quantities, such as the “sho” bottle. The sho is a traditional Japanese unit of volume that is equivalent to 1.8 liters. This large size was suitable for storing and transporting sake in wooden barrels, which were commonly used at the time.
However, with the introduction of glass bottles, sake could be packaged and sold in smaller quantities. The 720ml size was chosen as a convenient and practical option. It was large enough to provide an ample amount of sake for individuals or small groups to enjoy, yet still manageable in terms of packaging and storage.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have found the 720ml size to be a versatile and popular choice among sake enthusiasts. It is often preferred for casual drinking at home or in social gatherings. The size allows for sharing and tasting different types of sake without committing to a larger bottle. Additionally, the 720ml size is often considered more affordable compared to larger sizes, making it accessible to a wider range of sake drinkers.
It is worth mentioning that there are also other sizes of sake bottles available, ranging from smaller “one-cup” sizes to larger “magnum” sizes. These variations cater to different preferences and occasions. For example, the “one-cup” size is convenient for single servings or for sampling different sake varieties. On the other hand, the “magnum” size, which typically holds 1.8 liters of sake, is often used for special events or celebrations where a larger quantity of sake is desired.
To summarize, the typical size of a bottle of sake is 720ml, which is referred to as a “4-go” bottle. This size became popular with the introduction of glass bottling techniques in Japan. However, there are also other sizes available to cater to different preferences and occasions. The choice of bottle size ultimately depends on the individual's needs and the context in which the sake will be consumed.