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Balgi becomes first to hold dual global sake certifications
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Saturday, 06 September, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Beverage educator, consultant, and sommelier Ajit Balgi, founder of The Happy High, has achieved a distinction by earning two of the world’s most respected sake certifications: the WSET Level 3 Award in Sake and certification from the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS).
This dual recognition places Balgi among a select group of professionals outside Japan who have been formally acknowledged for their advanced knowledge of sake production, tasting, styles, and service. While the WSET Level 3 Award in Sake is regarded globally as the benchmark in beverage education, the certification from JSS—Japan’s official industry body—connects him directly to the producers and custodians of sake and shochu traditions.
Balgi, who was named India’s Best Sommelier in 2022 and has served as a judge for international wine and cocktail competitions, is now uniquely positioned to bring structured sake education and advocacy to India. Through The Happy High, he plans to conduct sake training and certification programs for hospitality professionals. Develop consultancy solutions for restaurants, hotels, and bars to integrate sake into their beverage portfolios. Curate trade and consumer engagement programs that highlight the versatility of sake in the Indian market.
Balgi said, “Sake is a unique drink and can appear in various avatars, we currently have close to 100 labels in India. With both WSET and JSS recognition, I hope to make sake approachable to the Indian trade with education, enabling hotels, restaurants, and bars to unlock new beverage opportunities. When I started teaching wines way back in 2010, wine was also in its infancy and look at the story now. Sake will take time, and continuous education will be paramount.”
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