fishinbuddy wrote on Mar 7^th, 2007 at 12:26pm:

billbo, IMO Saki=bad, warm Saki=Very bad  :P Tried it a few times, maybe it is an aquired taste.

I guess Sake is just like many other drinks.  There is good stuff and then there is undrinkable.  Gekkeikan Sake is among the more popular brands you'll find in this country.  However, to my personal palette, I find it drinkable only under duress.  In my opinion it should only be used for cooking purposes.  However, Momokawa Diamond (or better) Sake is more full bodied and has more character.  Even its color suggests a smoother drink.

... and although I prefer my sake atsu-kan (piping hot), this is very much a matter of personal taste and some brands even recommend serving it cold.

Kanpai!

However, for backcountry trips my tastes tend to run more in the direction of sipping than drinking, i.e., liqueurs.  Irish Mist is my current first choice.  A maximum of 2 oz. enjoyed to a setting sun makes a grand end to a perfect day.  If the weather is cold enough, then I'll add 1 oz. to a cup of hot spiced apple cider.  On other trips, I might take Grand Marnier ... again in roughly the same proportions.  However, my side drink of choice here would be black coffee.  (This combination also works wonders is you have a head cold.  If it doesn't open your sinuses, at least you won't care too much!)

dd