What is Sake ?

Sake, often referred to as Japanese rice wine, is one of Japan's most iconic alcoholic beverages, enjoyed for centuries both in Japan and increasingly around the world. Sake is made from four main ingredients: rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. Unlike wine, which is made from fermented grapes, sake undergoes a complex brewing process similar to beer. This unique process converts the starch in rice into sugars, which are then fermented to create the beverage. Different sake uses different type of rices, which are specially polished to remove its outer layers for a purer taste.

How to Enjoy Sake

One of the great things about sake is its versatility. You can enjoy it:

  • Chilled sake: Especially for premium varieties like Ginjo and Daiginjo sake.
  • Warm sake: Traditionally served during colder months or paired with hearty dishes.
  • Room temperature: Often ideal for Junmai sake.
  • Sake vs Wine

    Alcohol Content:

    • Wine: 11% to 15%
    • Sake: 14% to 16%

    Flavor Profiles:

    • Wine: Varies from dry to sweet, tannic to fruity.
    • Sake: Ranges from fruity and light to rich and savory.

    Pairing with Food:

    • Wine: Perfect with cheeses, meats, pasta, and European dishes.
    • Sake: Ideal with sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and even Western cuisine.
  • Types of Sake

    • Junmai Sake: Pure rice sake with no added alcohol. It's known for its rich, full-bodied flavor.
    • Ginjo Sake: Brewed using highly polished rice, resulting in a light and fruity taste.
    • Daiginjo Sake: A premium sake with even more refined rice polishing, offering delicate and complex flavors.
    • Nigori Sake: A cloudy, unfiltered sake that retains rice particles, giving it a sweet and creamy texture.
    • Sparkling Sake: Lightly carbonated, perfect for celebrations or as a refreshing aperitif.
  • Sake brewing process

    1. Rice Polishing

    2. Washing, Soaking, and Steaming

    3. Koji Making

    4. Yeast Starter (Shubo)

    5. Main Fermentation (Moromi)

    6. Pressing

    7. Filtration and Pasteurization

    8. Aging and Bottling