Sake: Japan’s ‘divine gift’ given special status by Unesco

Rice wine enshrined as part of cultural heritage of humanity'

Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savoured in the country's pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts.

Now, the smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions - and is a favoured tipple of celebrities such as Cate Blanchett - has been enshrined by Unesco, which has put it on its list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity".