While sake is still largely consumed in Japanese concepts, the fermented rice beverage is becoming more popular in more mainstream bars and restaurants. Why are operators sweet on sake?

Mixologists have discovered that sake is an excellent base for cocktails, while consumers are becoming more sophisticated about the different varieties and grades of sake. The beverage is still typically consumed warm in the U.S., but some experts say that sake is delicate and best served chilled.

New sake products have been coming onto the market in recent years, and a few sake breweries have been cropping up in the U.S. These are the top-­five brands in the U.S. according to the Beverage Information Group’s 2014 Handbook Advance.

For more on sake, see The Sake Scene from the March 2014 issue of Cheers.