If you have tried sake and didn't like it, it's quite possible you tried low-quality sake. Good premium sake has only become a "thing" in the last decade.
Premium sake is always served cold - same temp you'd make a martini - NOT HOT. EVER.
There's a wonderful premium sake called Dewasansan. One of their varieties has the most marvelous aroma - just like cherry blossoms! It has a floral taste but it is dry, little residual sugar.
Shao Hsing wine is similar, but not being as popular has more limited brands. Good aged Shao Hsing is excellent, but their proof is higher than sake. It's more like drinking whiskey.
Korean shochu is distilled, not brewed as sake is, and like Shao Hsing is a higher proof, from 20-45%.