Collection: Japanese sake
Explore the elegance and diversity of Japanese sake, ancestral drink very present in Japanese culture, thanks to our exclusive selection. With more than 400 aromatic components, twice as much as in wine, sake is a drink with exceptional complexity and finesse.
Amateur, first time or curious, discover our three selections: tasting, discovery and curiosity. Each has its varieties, its subtle flavors and its traditions which make sake a millennial art.
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Kuromatsu Senjo junmai Dry sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Clean and distinct profile, perfect with sashimi or oden⋅ Dry and round, with a hint of wood⋅ and a dry, short finish⋅ A subtle, light,...
Regular price 21.00 €Promotional price 21.00 € Regular priceUnit price 29.17 € / by lAwayuki sparkling junmai sake ⋅ 5.5% ⋅ 300ml
⋅ Refreshing sparkling sake⋅ Soft profile with naturally fruity notes⋅ Ideal chilled on its own or in a cocktail⋅ Pairs well with cheeses, creamy dishes, and...
Regular price 13.00 €Promotional price 13.00 € Regular priceUnit price 43.33 € / by lHideyoshi Hanami Mankai No.2 junmai sake in a can ⋅ 14% ⋅ 180ml
⋅ Junmai Sake⋅ Convenient can size for trying it out⋅ Best enjoyed chilled or warmed⋅ Award-winning at the Kura Master competition⋅ Available in 3 packaging variationsThis...
Regular price 5.80 €Promotional price 5.80 € Regular priceUnit price 32.22 € / by lKaori Hanayagu junmai sake ⋅ 12% ⋅ 300ml
⋅ Made with wine yeast for floral aromas⋅ Perfect balance between the sweetness of the rice and a light acidity⋅ 70% polished⋅ Pairs equally well with...
Regular price 8.50 €Promotional price 8.50 € Regular priceUnit price 28.33 € / by lSasara Tsuki junmai sake ⋅ 10.5% ⋅ 300ml
⋅ Perfect for discovering sake⋅ Gentle aroma ideal for a first tasting⋅ Multi-award-winning sake⋅ Fresh and light aroma⋅ Convenient small formatSasara Tsuki Junmai is a sake...
Regular price 10.00 €Promotional price 10.00 € Regular priceUnit price 33.33 € / by lShirakawago Sasanigori junmai ginjo nigori sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 300ml
⋅ Junmai Ginjo Nigori Sake⋅ 60% polished⋅ Made with Hidahomare rice⋅ Lactic notes from fermentation, typical of lightly filtered sakes⋅ Pairs perfectly with Japanese dishesSasara Tsuki...
Regular price 16.00 €Promotional price 16.00 € Regular priceUnit price 53.33 € / by lKiseki no Osake junmai ginjo sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 300ml
⋅ Omachi rice from Okayama, grown without pesticides or fertilizers⋅ Crafted by Kikuchi Higashi, a renowned master brewer⋅ 45% milled rice for a delicate flavor and...
Regular price 15.50 €Promotional price 15.50 € Regular priceUnit price 51.67 € / by lDassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Fruity and approachable profile⋅ Polished to 55%⋅ A great alternative to white wine⋅ Best served chilled⋅ Pairs well with cheese, salads, or fishThis Junmai Daiginjo...
Regular price 38.00 €Promotional price 38.00 € Regular priceUnit price 52.78 € / by lNugudamaru nigori sake in a can ⋅ 17% ⋅ 180ml
⋅ Convenient to take on the go⋅ Enjoy hot or cold⋅ Mild, lightly filtered sake⋅ Small can, perfect for trying sake for the first time⋅ Perfect...
Regular price 6.50 €Promotional price 6.50 € Regular priceUnit price 36.11 € / by lSanko Hinokuchi nama sake ⋅ 20% ⋅ 200ml
⋅ Rich and balanced profile, dry finish, and lovely fruity complexity⋅ Unpasteurized "Nama genshu" sake⋅ Aluminum can⋅ Small size, perfect for trying sakeThis unpasteurized sake is...
Regular price 7.90 €Promotional price 7.90 € Regular priceUnit price 39.50 € / by lKubota Senjyu ginjo sake ⋅ 15.6% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Naturally floral and fruity aroma⋅ Pairs wonderfully with meals⋅ Clean, dry finish⋅ A gift for white wine lovers⋅ Traditionally brewedKubota Senjyu Ginjo is a sake...
Regular price 38.50 €Promotional price 38.50 € Regular priceUnit price 53.47 € / by lKuromatsu Senjo Muroka Junmai Genshu sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Distinct cereal flavor with a hint of sweet grape⋅ Best enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or warm, depending on preference⋅ Delicate bouquet with apple aromas⋅...
Regular price 32.30 €Promotional price 32.30 € Regular priceUnit price 44.86 € / by lKisaki Blanc 65 junmai genshu sake ⋅ 17% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Dry sake with high acidity⋅ Pairs well with any type of dish⋅ 65% polished⋅ Made from Gohyaku Mangoku rice⋅ Best enjoyed either chilled or warmThis...
Regular price 28.50 €Promotional price 28.50 € Regular priceUnit price 39.58 € / by lOga Namahaga junmai sake in a can ⋅ 14% ⋅ 180ml
⋅ Convenient to take on the go⋅ Designed with a Namahage motif, a traditional figure from Oga⋅ Classic sake⋅ Small can, perfect for trying sakeThis sake,...
Regular price 7.50 €Promotional price 7.50 € Regular priceUnit price 41.67 € / by lOwari Otokoyama sake in a can ⋅ 14% ⋅ 200ml
⋅ Balanced sake⋅ Convenient can size for trying out⋅ Umami profile⋅ Notes of lactic fermentationThis sake, bearing the iconic name "Otokoyama," is a classic choice for...
Regular price 4.20 €Promotional price 4.20 € Regular priceUnit price 21.00 € / by lHideyoshi Hanami Koraku No. 3 Junmai sake in a can ⋅ 14% ⋅ 180ml
⋅ Junmai Sake⋅ Convenient can format for trying it out⋅ Best enjoyed chilled or warmed⋅ Award-winning at the Kura Master competition⋅ Available in 3 packaging variationsThis...
Regular price 7.50 €Promotional price 7.50 € Regular priceUnit price 41.67 € / by lTokachi Blue junmai sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ A blend of local rice varieties: Suisei, Ginpu, and Kitashizuku, polished to 70%⋅ Pure water from the Daisetsuzan mountain range⋅ Fresh blueberry aromas and umami,...
Regular price 28.00 €Promotional price 28.00 € Regular priceUnit price 38.89 € / by lKuro Obi Dodo junmai sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Traditional Yamahai method⋅ Premium rice varieties: Yamadanishiki and Kinmon Nishiki⋅ Versatile serving options: enjoy it chilled or warm!⋅ Ideal with umami-rich dishes such as seafood...
Regular price 39.00 €Promotional price 39.00 € Regular priceUnit price 54.17 € / by lCokun junmai sake ⋅ 8% ⋅ 500ml
⋅ Natural pink color thanks to a special yeast⋅ Delicate, fruity flavors⋅ Unique brewing method for added complexity⋅ Awarded at the 2015 Wine Glass Good Sake...
Regular price 22.00 €Promotional price 22.00 € Regular priceUnit price 44.00 € / by lDassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Junmai daiginjo sake⋅ Polished to 61%⋅ Naturally fruity and indulgent⋅ Perfect as a substitute for white wine⋅ Pairs wonderfully with shellfish, fish and vegetablesThis Dassai...
Regular price 52.00 €Promotional price 52.00 € Regular priceUnit price 72.22 € / by lHideyoshi Hanabi honjozo sake in a can ⋅ 14% ⋅ 180ml
⋅ Honjozo sake⋅ Convenient can format for trying it out⋅ Mild and refreshing when served chilled, umami-rich when served warm⋅ Packaging that guarantees the sake’s freshnessThis...
Regular price 6.50 €Promotional price 6.50 € Regular priceUnit price 36.11 € / by lDassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo Sake ⋅ Dassai ⋅ 300ml
⋅ 45% polished Junmai Daiginjo⋅ No added alcohol⋅ Premium sake with a complex and rich profile⋅ A lovely alternative to mineral white wines⋅ Pairs well with...
Regular price 19.00 €Promotional price 19.00 € Regular priceUnit price 63.33 € / by lKiseki no Osake junmai ginjo sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ "Omachi" rice from Okayama, grown without fertilizers or pesticides⋅ Crafted by Kikuchi Higashi, a renowned master brewer⋅ 45% polished rice for a smooth texture and...
Regular price 35.50 €Promotional price 35.50 € Regular priceUnit price 49.31 € / by lKuromatsu Senjo Junmai Ginjo sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Round and fruity, floral and umami flavors⋅ Serve chilled⋅ Made with 50% polished Shinshu Kinhon Nishiki rice⋅ Rich aromas thanks to Ginjo yeast⋅ A light...
Regular price 39.00 €Promotional price 39.00 € Regular priceUnit price 54.17 € / by lGinsen Kikusui Futsushu Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 300ml
•A futsushu sake from the Shinshu region•An everyday sake, semi-sweet and without bitterness.•Perfect served hot or cold, pairs well with sushi, tempura, or rice.•Affordable and versatile,...
Regular price 7.60 €Promotional price 7.60 € Regular priceUnit price 25.33 € / by lKisaki Blanc 50 junmai daiginjo genshu sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ A rich, naturally sweet and tangy flavor⋅ 50% polished⋅ An excellent alternative to white wine⋅ Pairs perfectly with fish and seafood⋅ Best served either chilled...
Regular price 38.00 €Promotional price 38.00 € Regular priceUnit price 52.78 € / by lTaiten Shiragiku junmai daiginjo sake ⋅ 16.9% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Sake aged at low temperature for 1 year⋅ Fruity notes⋅ Omachi rice variety⋅ 50% polished⋅ Sake awarded a gold medal at the 2025 Kura Master...
Regular price 46.00 €Promotional price 46.00 € Regular priceUnit price 63.89 € / by lTsukinami-no-Nami Futsushu Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 720ml
•Dry and crisp flavors, brewed using the "" method •Pairs well with meat, fish, soups, and stewsA Futsushu sake with dry and lively aromas, created in...
Regular price 23.00 €Promotional price 23.00 € Regular priceUnit price 31.94 € / by lJunmai Ginjo Fukukomachi Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 300ml
⋅ A century-old brewery in Akita with 400 years of tradition and expertise⋅ brewing⋅ 40% polished Yamada Nishiki rice⋅ Exotic flavors of mango, papaya, and candied...
Regular price 13.80 €Promotional price 13.80 € Regular priceUnit price 46.00 € / by lKaga no Tsuki Mikazuki honjozo sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
•A versatile sake, delicious served at room temperature or warmed.•Pure rice flavor•Winner of the Grand Gold Award (National Hot Sake Contest 2018).With its deep, clean taste,...
Regular price 19.95 €Promotional price 19.95 € Regular priceUnit price 27.71 € / by lOkayama no Chi Junmai Ginjo Sake Gift Set ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 360ml
• Contains two Junmai Ginjo sakes from Okayama:• One sake made with Takashima Omachi rice, featuring umami and woody notes.• The other made with Yamada Nishiki...
Regular price 21.90 €Promotional price 21.90 € Regular priceUnit price 60.83 € / by lGinsen Kikusui Futsushu Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 180ml
•A futsushu sake from the Shinshu region•An everyday sake, semi-sweet and without bitterness.•Perfect served hot or cold, it pairs well with sushi, tempura, or rice.•Affordable and...
Regular price 5.00 €Promotional price 5.00 € Regular priceUnit price 27.78 € / by lDassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Premium junmai daiginjo sake⋅ Polished to 77%⋅ Made from Yamada⋅ Nishiki⋅ Complex aromatic profile with fruity notes⋅ Perfect at the end of a meal!This Dassai...
Regular price 90.00 €Promotional price 90.00 € Regular priceUnit price 125.00 € / by lKiwamihijiri Nigori Honjozo Sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 300ml
•Thick texture •Fruity aromas reminiscent of a ginjō•Delicious served cold or hot.•Pairs well with beef carpaccio, stews, and tempura.A rich-tasting nigori honjozo sake, made from Akebono...
Regular price 13.00 €Promotional price 13.00 € Regular priceUnit price 43.33 € / by lKiwamihijiri Junmai Ginjo Sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 300ml
•Mild, fruity profile•Pairs perfectly with sashimi, grilled fish, and white meat.•HandcraftedA junmai sake with a mild, fruity flavor reminiscent of apples. It is made exclusively from...
Regular price 13.80 €Promotional price 13.80 € Regular priceUnit price 46.00 € / by lNakanori-san Honjozo Sake ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
•Rich, dry flavor•Versatile: can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or warmed.•Certified Nagano GI, guaranteeing origin and quality.A Honjozo sake with a rich, dry flavor, made...
Regular price 21.80 €Promotional price 21.80 € Regular priceUnit price 30.28 € / by lHonjozo sake Oshin no Sato ⋅ 15% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Made with Haenuki rice⋅ Yamagata⋅ Profile: semi-⋅ Dry with umami and floral notes⋅ Ideal with white fish sashimi or tempura⋅ A Honjozo sakeA Honjozo sake...
Regular price 27.50 €Promotional price 27.50 € Regular priceUnit price 38.19 € / by lChikumannishiki Namachozoshu Sake ⋅ 13% ⋅ 300ml
•Fresh, light, and low in alcohol.•Pairs well with both Japanese and Western cuisineA fresh, low-alcohol sake brewed high in the mountains in the town of Saku,...
Regular price 10.20 €Promotional price 10.20 € Regular priceUnit price 34.00 € / by lKubota Manjyu junmai daiginjo sake ⋅ 15.6% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Daiginjo sake⋅ Naturally floral and fruity aroma⋅ 65% polishing⋅ Beautiful body⋅ Pairs wonderfully with fresh and acidic dishesKubota Manjyu is a highly sought-after, premium daiginjo...
Regular price 86.00 €Promotional price 86.00 € Regular priceUnit price 119.44 € / by lKisaki Pink junmai daiginjo genshu sake ⋅ 11% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Premium sake⋅ Made from Yamada⋅ Nishiki⋅ 50% polished⋅ Mild and naturally sweet profile⋅ Ideal with dessertKisaki 50 Pink is a premium sake made from locally...
Regular price 50.00 €Promotional price 50.00 € Regular priceUnit price 69.44 € / by lSayuri nigori sake ⋅ 12.5% ⋅ 720ml
• Authentic Japanese sake, smooth and approachable• Shake before serving • Ideal for cocktails.Made by Hakutsuru, Sayuri is a nigori, a type of sake with a...
Regular price 29.00 €Promotional price 29.00 € Regular priceUnit price 40.28 € / by lKiwamihijiri Nigori Honjozo Sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 720ml
•A nigori sake with a fruity flavor reminiscent of ginjo•Versatile: enjoy it hot or cold.•Pairs well with beef carpaccio, stews, and tempura.•Made with Kaebono rice from...
Regular price 24.15 €Promotional price 24.15 € Regular priceUnit price 33.54 € / by lGokusei Omachi Junmai sake in a small barrel ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 300ml
A junmai sake with a mild, fruity flavor reminiscent of apples. It is made exclusively from Omachi rice from Okayama Prefecture, the parent rice of the...
Regular price 56.00 €Promotional price 56.00 € Regular priceUnit price 186.67 € / by lDassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo Sake ⋅ Dassai ⋅ 300ml
⋅ 39% polished Junmai Daiginjo⋅ No added alcohol⋅ Premium, very refined sake⋅ A lovely alternative to mineral white wines⋅ Pairs well with fish, seafood, and vegetablesThis...
Regular price 36.00 €Promotional price 36.00 € Regular priceUnit price 120.00 € / by lKeiryu sake tasting set ⋅ 15% ⋅ 900ml
• A selection of three iconic sakes• Sakes suited for different serving temperatures• An ideal, versatile assortmentA tasting set featuring three iconic Japanese sakes from the...
Regular price 39.85 €Promotional price 39.85 € Regular priceUnit price 44.28 € / by lKiwamihijiri Junmai Ginjo Sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 720ml
• Sake with notes of white fruit• Made with Omachi rice from Okayama• Crafted under the supervision of master brewers• Perfect with salmon or tuna sashimi,...
Regular price 28.85 €Promotional price 28.85 € Regular priceUnit price 40.07 € / by lFutsushu sake Uma Kara Hakuba Nishiki ⋅ 14.9% ⋅ 300ml
• Aromas of white fruit and grains• Perfect with yakitori, gyozas, and tsukemono• A sweet and subtle sakeA futsushu umakuchi sake with sweet and slightly dry...
Regular price 11.50 €Promotional price 11.50 € Regular priceUnit price 38.33 € / by lDassai tasting set 3 x 180ml ⋅ 15% ⋅ 540ml
•Three exceptional sakes: Dassai 23, Dassai 39, and Dassai 45•Explore the aromatic progression and complexity of Dassai sakes•Perfect as a gift •Discover the world of sake...
Regular price 65.00 €Promotional price 65.00 € Regular priceUnit price / byShiroyuki Tenryu Nigori Honjozo ⋅ 15% ⋅ 300ml
•Rich and dry flavor, crafted with Miyama Nishiki rice and pure water from Mount Kiso Ontake.•Versatile: enjoy chilled, at room temperature, or warmed.•Certified Nagano GI, guaranteeing...
Regular price 11.40 €Promotional price 11.40 € Regular priceUnit price 38.00 € / by lFutsushu sake Uma Kara Hakuba Nishiki ⋅ 14.9% ⋅ 720ml
• Aromas of white fruit and grains• Perfect with yakitori, gyozas, and tsukemono• A sweet and subtle sakeA futsushu umakuchi sake with sweet and slightly dry...
Regular price 24.00 €Promotional price 24.00 € Regular priceUnit price 33.33 € / by lShiroyuki Tenryu Nigori Honjozo ⋅ 15% ⋅ 720ml
• Soft notes of cooked rice and white flowers• Pairs with cheeses, fried foods, and desserts• Award-winning sakéThis nigori honjozo saké stands out with its delicate...
Regular price 29.00 €Promotional price 29.00 € Regular priceUnit price 40.28 € / by lJunmai sake Hakuko Karakuchi Yodanshikomi ⋅ 16% ⋅ 720ml
• A balance between crisp acidity and an airy sweetness.• Notes of grapes• Best served chilled or at room temperatureThis junmai sake stands out for its...
Regular price 36.00 €Promotional price 36.00 € Regular priceUnit price 50.00 € / by lKuromatsu Senjo Junmai Daiginjo sake ⋅ Kuromatsu Senjo ⋅ 720ml
Regular price 30.20 €Promotional price 30.20 € Regular priceUnit price / byJunmai Fukukomachi Karakuchi Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 300ml
•Delicious served hot or chilled.•Pairs perfectly with meat, fried foods, and okonomiyaki.A junmai sake with a fresh, lively, and dry flavor, made from Menkoina rice and...
Regular price 8.80 €Promotional price 8.80 € Regular priceUnit price 29.33 € / by lKagura clear junmai sake ⋅ 13% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ Junmai sake⋅ Fruity and indulgent profile⋅ Polished to 65%⋅ Made with Iwai rice⋅ Perfect with fishKagura sake is a Junmai made from 65% polished "Iwai"...
Regular price 56.00 €Promotional price 56.00 € Regular priceUnit price 77.78 € / by lFukukomachi junmai daiginjo sake ⋅ 15.5% ⋅ 720ml
⋅ A century-old brewery in Akita with 400 years of tradition and expertise⋅ brewing⋅ 40% polished Yamada Nishiki rice⋅ Exotic flavors of mango, papaya, and candied...
Regular price 60.00 €Promotional price 60.00 € Regular priceUnit price 83.33 € / by lJunmai Daiginjo Fukukomachi Sake ⋅ 15% ⋅ 180ml
⋅ A perfect balance of umami and acidity for a refined tasting experience⋅ Ideal for those new to sake⋅ Pairs easily with a wide variety of...
Regular price 19.50 €Promotional price 19.50 € Regular priceUnit price 108.33 € / by l
To serve your sake
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Small sake glass 70ml ⋅ TOYO-SASAKI GLASS
Regular price 4.60 €Promotional price 4.60 € Regular priceUnit price / byLarge sake glass 125ml ⋅ TOYO-SASAKI GLASS
Regular price 6.20 €Promotional price 6.20 € Regular priceUnit price / byNavy blue sake set ⋅ Emro Aziatica
Regular price 34.00 €Promotional price 34.00 € Regular priceUnit price / byWhite ceramic sake serving pitcher 108×90mm ⋅ Touga
Regular price 20.00 €Promotional price 20.00 € Regular priceUnit price / byAizuki sake pitcher Ø 80mm ⋅ Touga
Regular price 22.00 €Promotional price 22.00 € Regular priceUnit price / byWhite Wusud sake set ⋅ Sopha
Regular price 48.00 €Promotional price 48.00 € Regular priceUnit price / byTea and Sake Book ⋅ Massin Charles Editions
Regular price 25.90 €Promotional price 25.90 € Regular priceUnit price / by
Everything you need to know about Japanese sake
from production, sake types and tasting, to choosing the bottle
Learn more about Japanese sake
What is saké?
Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Contrary to popular belief, sake is not rice wine, but rather a fermented beverage whose production process falls somewhere between that of beer and wine. Sake typically has an alcohol content of between 15% and 20%. Sake is appreciated for its wide range of flavors, from sweet to dry, and for its delicate aromas, which depend on the type of rice used and the degree to which the grain has been polished.
What is the difference between sake and wine?
The main difference between sake and wine lies in their ingredients and production processes. Wine is made by fermenting grapes, while sake is produced from rice, water, yeast, and a fungus called koji. Wine fermentation is a simple process in which the sugar in grapes is converted into alcohol by yeast, whereas sake requires double fermentation: first, koji converts the starch in rice into sugar, then yeast transforms that sugar into alcohol. In addition, sake has a higher alcohol content than wine, and its flavors are often more subtle and less tannic.
How should sake be stored once the bottle has been opened?
To preserve sake once the bottle has been opened, here are some tips to follow to maintain its quality and aromas:
1. Refrigeration:
- Once opened, the bottle of sake should be stored in the refrigerator. The cold slows oxidation and helps maintain the sake’s flavors. Depending on the quality of the sake, it can be kept refrigerated for between 15 days and one month.
2. Use an airtight stopper:
- If the bottle does not have an airtight stopper, it is advisable to use a silicone stopper or a stopper specially designed for wine. This limits exposure to air.
3. Quick consumption:
- Opened sake should ideally be consumed within the following days, but it can be kept for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Some high-quality sake can even retain its taste for several weeks if properly resealed and refrigerated.
4. Store away from light:
- Light can affect the quality of sake. Store the bottle in a dark place or use an opaque bottle cover if it is in the refrigerator.
5. Bottle position:
- If possible, keep the bottle upright. This minimizes the surface area of sake exposed to air and reduces the risk of oxidation.
By following these tips, you can extend the shelf life of your sake and enjoy its flavors at their best!How is sake made?
Saké production is a complex and delicate process that begins with selecting rice called shuzo kotekimai, specially cultivated for saké. The rice is first polished to remove the outer layers of the grain, then washed, soaked, and steamed. Next, some of the steamed rice is mixed with koji, a fungus that breaks down starch into sugar. This step is followed by fermentation, during which additional steamed rice, water, and yeast are added to produce alcohol. After several stages of fermentation, the mixture is pressed to extract the saké, which is then pasteurized, aged, and bottled.
What are the different types of sake?
Saké comes in several types, classified mainly according to the degree of rice polishing and the production method. The main types of saké are:
- Junmai: Pure saké with no added alcohol. It highlights the flavor of the rice and terroir, with rich, deep flavors. Enjoyed at various temperatures.
- Honjozo: Saké with a small amount of added alcohol to enhance its aromas and lightness. It is often drier and easy to drink, making it ideal for beginners.
- Ginjo and Daiginjo: High-quality saké made with rice polished to 60% (Ginjo) or 50% (Daiginjo), creating an elegant saké with subtle floral and fruity aromas. Daiginjo is even more refined and is often served chilled.
- Nigori: Unfiltered, creamy, sweet saké with a rich texture and rice particles. It is popular as a dessert drink or with spicy dishes.
- Sparkling Saké: Light, fruity sparkling saké, perfect for festive occasions or light dishes.
- Futsu Shu: Standard table saké, often less refined and more affordable, commonly consumed in Japan.
- Nama Saké: Unpasteurized saké with a fresh, fruity aromatic profile that requires refrigerated storage.
- Koshu: Aged saké with deep, complex flavors of nuts, honey, caramel, and spices, often served with hearty dishes.
Each type has specific characteristics, and the choice depends on personal preferences or the occasion.
What is the difference between drinking sake and cooking sake?
1. Drinking sake (酒, "nihonshu")
- Quality: Drinking sake is a high-quality product made to be enjoyed neat, chilled, at room temperature, or warm, according to preference.
- Production process: This sake is made from polished rice (most often polished to 30% or more) and contains delicate aromas that are appreciated during tasting. The fermentation process is more refined to create complex flavors.
- Flavor and texture: It has a more subtle and nuanced flavor profile. Depending on the type of sake (junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, etc.), it may have floral, fruity, or earthy aromas and a silky texture.
- Use: It is intended to be enjoyed with meals or savored on its own. High-quality sake is often served at ceremonies or on special occasions.
2. Cooking sake (料理酒, "ryōrishu")
- Quality: Cooking sake is of lower quality and is used primarily for cooking. It is often more expensive than cooking wine or cooking alcohol in general, but its flavor is not intended for drinking.
- Production process: The rice used for cooking sake is often less finely polished, and it contains more salt and additives to make it better suited to cooking. This sake is sometimes fortified with distilled alcohol, sugar, and salt.
- Flavor and texture: This sake has a more pronounced taste of alcoholic harshness and salt, which can enhance the flavors of dishes, but it lacks the delicacy of drinking sake.
- Use: Cooking sake is used to add depth to sauces, marinades, and simmered dishes, and to tenderize meat or fish. It is also used to remove the odor of certain ingredients, such as fish or meat, and to balance the flavors of dishes.
What is the difference between junmai and daiginjo?
The main difference between Junmai and Daiginjo lies in the degree to which the rice is polished and the purity of the sake. Junmai is a pure rice sake with no added alcohol, offering richer and more pronounced flavors. Daiginjo, on the other hand, is a highly refined sake in which the rice is polished to 50% or less, giving it lighter, floral, and fruity aromas. Daiginjo may or may not contain added alcohol, but it is generally considered more delicate and sophisticated than Junmai.
What is the difference between modern, traditional, and natural sake?
Modern, traditional, and natural sake are three distinct categories that differ in their production methods, ingredients, and often their flavor profiles. Here is an overview of each type:
1. Traditional Sake:
- Traditional sake is produced using time-honored methods dating back hundreds of years. It is made primarily from rice, water, yeast, and koji (malted rice). It contains no added distilled alcohol. It tends to be rich, complex, and often fuller-bodied in flavor. It has more pronounced acidity because the emphasis is on fermentation. Its aromatic profile is more expressive of yeast and rice notes, as well as the quality of the water.
2. Modern Sake:
- Modern sake may include variations on traditional production methods. It may contain added distilled alcohol (brewing alcohol) to adjust the sake's flavor profile and texture. These sakes can be lighter and sweeter compared with traditional sake. They are often more approachable for beginners because of their gentler, smoother flavor profile. They are very often compared to white wines because their aromatic profile is frequently fruitier and more floral. These sakes are more expressive on the nose compared with traditional sake.
3. Natural Sake:
- Sake described as "natural" is distinguished by the rice being polished to a lesser degree, thereby retaining more of its substance. It is also characterized by the absence of added yeast (or kobo) during fermentation. Producers instead favor natural fermentation, allowing the indigenous yeasts present in the air to carry out the fermentation process. This approach encourages the development of unique, authentic flavors resulting from the interaction between local yeasts and the rice's natural components.
It is interesting to taste sake from each of these categories to understand the aromatic complexity of this beverage and help you determine which one suits you best.What food pairings go well with sake?
Light and floral sake (Ginjo, Daiginjo)
- Perfect pairings: Delicate fish and seafood, sashimi, carpaccio, oysters, crunchy vegetables.
- Why? These sakes are refined, aromatic, and slightly fruity, making them perfect for fresh and subtle dishes that do not overpower their aromas.
Dry and structured sake (Junmai, Tokubetsu Junmai)
- Perfect pairings: Yakitori (chicken skewers), tempura, hard cheeses, grilled white meats.
- Why? With their pronounced umami and balanced acidity, they pair well with grilled and fried dishes, adding depth.
Rich and full-bodied sake (Honjozo, Kimoto, Yamahai)
- Perfect pairings: Slow-cooked dishes, game, braised meats, aged cheeses, spicy cuisine.
- Why? Their more pronounced structure and umami notes work wonderfully with complex and flavorful dishes.
Sweet and smooth sake (Nigori, Amazake)
- Perfect pairings: Fruit-based desserts, pastries, fresh cheeses, spicy cuisine (Thai, Indian).
- Why? Their slightly creamy texture and sweetness balance spices well and enhance fruity desserts.
Hot-served sake (Futsushu, hot Junmai)
- Perfect pairings: Comforting dishes such as soups, stews, udon noodles, grilled fatty fish (salmon, mackerel).
- Why? Hot sake develops more intense, earthy aromas that pair well with rich and flavorful dishes.
How to enjoy sake?
Sake tasting is an art that depends on the type of sake and the serving temperature. Sake can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or warm, depending on its characteristics. Light, fruity sakes, such as Ginjo and Daiginjo, are generally enjoyed chilled to preserve their delicate aromas. Fuller-bodied sakes, such as Junmai and Honjozo, can be gently warmed to bring out their flavors. It is recommended to serve sake in small glasses called ochoko to better appreciate its nuances.
Which glasses should you use for sake?
Saké is traditionally enjoyed in small glasses called ochoko or in ceramic cups known as sakazuki. Ochoko are small and allow you to sip saké slowly while appreciating its aromas. For more refined saké such as Daiginjo, some prefer to use white wine glasses to better concentrate the aromas and appreciate the saké's complexity. The choice of glass may vary depending on the type of saké and the occasion, but the essential thing is to choose a vessel that respects tradition while highlighting saké's characteristics.
Can sake be heated?
Yes, sake can be heated, but it depends on the type of sake. Sakes such as Junmai and Honjozo can be gently heated to bring out their rich, deep flavors. Sake is generally heated to a temperature of 40°C to 55°C. To heat sake, it is recommended to use a bain-marie to avoid overheating and altering its aromas. However, more refined sakes such as Daiginjo or Ginjo are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve their delicate aromas.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health; consume in moderation. Alcohol orders are restricted to adults, in accordance with the legislation in force in your country.
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