How long does sake keep? 

Although it is best enjoyed fresh. The shelf life of unopened sake is about a year. It is best kept in a cool dark place away from heat and light. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within one month. Please note that it is normal for the flavor to change considerably with time and contact to air.  Unpasteurized sake should be stored in refrigeration and consumed within 2 days to a week once opened. 

Why is sake so expensive in portugal?

Since Portugal joined the EU in 1986, direct import has decreased significantly and often involves high import taxes, long waiting periods for customs clearance and uncertain results. As a result, it has become far easier and usually cheaper to import via other EU countries. Nonetheless, alcohol tax, the cost of storage and transport and in some cases the intermediary supplier must all be absorbed into the final cost of the product. We do our best to search for deals and negotiate with suppliers but when the EURO is weak, there is not much we can do to accommodate prices.

Isn't sake supposed to be hot?

Actually not all premium sake is served chilled. Although Ginjo and Daiginjo classifications are generally too delicate and refined to be appreciated warm, some Honjozo and Junmai is actually better slightly heated as it releases different and stronger aromas and flavor profiles. Futsu-shu is typically heated but as a loose rule, Premium Sake is best appreciated chilled. However, in the Izakayas of Japan it is typical to order a cold bottle of Premium Sake and have  it sit on the table without a chiller. You have the first cup cold. As the night goes on and as the sake comes to room temperature it releases different characteristics and you can enjoy it this way as well.

what kind of sake should i order at a restaurant?

Very generally speaking, try to choose a sake that has the word GINJO or JUNMAI somewhere on its's label. Junmai Sakes tend to be higher in Umami so they pair well with fatty or heavier dishes such as red meat or rich sauces. GINJO sakes tend to be more aromatic and fruity and go well with lighter dishes that won't overpower them. That being said, there are many exceptions
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Answer to question 4

Is sake a rice wine?

 Actually, sake is in a category by itself. It is made from a grain (rice) and brewed like a beer. Wine is made from fruit that is fermented. However, sake is made from fermented grain. The alcohol in wine is a result of fermented sugars in the fruit. so Sake,  breaks down rice using a parallel fermentation process. Rice starch is converted to sugar then that sugar is converted to alcohol by yeast thus making sake production process closer to beer than wine. 
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Is sake made in japan only?

Not anymore. Now Sake is made in other parts of the world such as Australia, the US and even Norway. Still, the best premium sake comes from Japan.

can i heat sake in a microwave?

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