Should sake bottles be stored upright or on their side?

Sake bottles should be stored upright to maintain the quality of the sake. This upright position minimizes the wine's exposure to air, preventing oxidation, which can adversely affect the flavor and aroma. Additionally, sake typically does not have a cork like wine, so storing it horizontally, as you might with still wines, is unnecessary and could lead to potential issues with leakage or contamination.

In an upright position, the sake is shielded from any potential sediment that might be present and remains free from contact with the bottle’s cork or cap, which is particularly important if the bottle has a metal cap or seal. This helps to preserve its intended taste profile and potential freshness.

While the other storage methods such as on their side, upside down, or in a horizontal position may be suitable for certain types of products, they are not ideal for sake, which is best kept upright to ensure its characteristics are maintained.