From rice, water, yeast, and mold come infinite variations of sake—and as many American misconceptions. It’s not hard liquor, most of it shouldn’t be served hot, and, no, that’s not a shot glass it’s served in.

Enter Beau Timken, sake sommelier extraordinaire. As the owner of True Sake, the import-only sake store in Hayes Valley, and coauthor of the new book Sake: A Modern Guide, the former entrepreneur has made a new career of demystifying the Japanese libation. Those in the know sign up through True Sake’s website for his reservation-only tasting events held at venues across the city. Whether you need a basic overview or an in-depth exploration of a subset, Timken covers all things sake—lore, brewing, business, tasting notes, and food pairing. Two hours later, pupils leave with palates sharpened, heads spinning with new information, and a serious buzz.

6:22 p.m.

THE POUR
Eight sakes, including the unfiltered, unpasteurized, and aged.

THE SERVE
All but one served straight-from-the-fridge cold.

THE SNACKS
Self-serve sushi rolls and vegetables. No bar nuts here.

THE CROWD
Business-casual urbanites, mainly Japanophiles and the wine obsessed.

OVERHEARD
“Are there any sakes that are good warm?”

SPEAK UP
Class participation is awarded with bottles to take home—so much better than a gold star.

True Sake, 560 Hayes St., S.F., 415-355-9555, truesake.com, Sebo, 517 Hayes St., S.F., 415-864-2122.

Elsewhere
The sweater-set Pac Heights crowd at (415) Asian Restaurant & Lounge gets advice on pairing Timken’s high-end sakes with the subtle to spicy menu offerings.
415 Presidio Ave., S.F., 415-409-0400.
The Japanese-speaking locals squeezed into Japantown’s mom-and-pop Ino Sushi prefer their sake room temperature—just as it’s served in the old country.
22 Peace Plaza, Suite 510, S.F., 415-922-3121.
With 120 sakes, seasonal flights, and saketinis; creative and dramatic food; and a hot crowd of young partiers, a night at Tsunami Sushi and Sake Bar leads to all sorts of experimentation. 1306 Fulton St., S.F., 415-567-7664.