Pouring & Receiving Manners (お酌の作法 - Oshaku)
The highly specific, elegant mechanics of pouring ('Oshaku') and receiving bottled beer or sake in Japan. It features distinct hand positions, including keeping the bottle label facing upward while pouring.
Refined over centuries as an display of respect. Keeping the beer label facing upward ensures the host is displaying the brand proudly while preventing any accidental broth or condensation drops from defacing the label.
To Pour: Hold the middle/bottom of the bottle with your right hand, support the neck gently with your left fingers underneath, and keep the label facing directly up. To Receive: Hold your glass with both hands and tilt it slightly to control the foam head.
What is the correct, polite way to hold a beer bottle when pouring ('Oshaku') for someone else?