Fifty Best Sake
  << >> Main

 

It is believed that Sake brewing began in the 3rd century B.C., when a method of rice planting was introduced to Japan. The Japanese Liquor Law defines Sake as, "made from rice, rice koji and water using fermentation and filtration processes". Premium sake is split into a number of different categories based on ingredients, which brewing process is used, and other characteristics. However, simply because a sake falls into a certain category doesn't mean that it will necessarily taste like other sakes in that category. The most important factor is the skill of the brewer, which is unique to the brand and brewery.

 

Rice Polishing
It is ideal to use only the inner core of the rice grains, which allows for the creation of a purer sake. Polishing down the grain increases the amount of raw rice needed for production, and requires extra time and energy. Because of this, a low polishing ratio (how much of the rice is left after grinding off the outside part) often indicates a quality sake.

 

The differentiation between the sakes made with rice and koji is the amount of milling the rice has undergone before brewing. They include three groups: Junmai (polished to at least 70% of the original size of the grains), Junmai-Ginjo (polished to at least 60%), and Junmai-Daiginjo (polished to at least 50%).

 

Sakes present a whole range of flavors and fragrances, but the predominant flavor profile of super premium sake can be expressed in terms of sweetness and dryness. Junmai-Sake, Junmai-Ginjo, and Junmai-Daiginjo are often drier, while harmonizing the natural sweetness of the fermented sugars and acids.

 

Kampai.

 

 

  Type: Daiginjo  

Ichishima Ginnoyorokobi
Medium Dry

Delicate aromatics of green fruit and roses continue onto the palate, with a creamy texture and long finish. Japan National New Sake Competition gold medal winner for 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The Ichishima family has been involved in sake making for more than 200 years (since the shogun era).

Ichishima Ginnoyorokobi

 

  Type: Daiginjo  


Shiragiku
Taiten Shiragiku
Extra Dry

Dry and gentle with a refreshing bitterness.

Taiten Shiragiku

 

  Type: Daiginjo  

Suzuki Shuzoten
Hideyoshi Flying Pegasus
Medium Dry

This limited edition aged sake is the ultimate sake experience. Semi-dry, with an exceptionally mellow flavor and elegant aroma. The best of the best.

Hideyoshi Flying Pegasus

 

  Type: Daiginjo  

Terada Honke

100% natural sake made with organic rice from fields cultivated according to a rotation system that allows the soil to rest for 18 years. Fermented with groundwater from the Tone River and native yeasts. No herbicides, no additives, no preservatives. Produced with live lactic acid bacteria. Brewed by incorporating the action of natural microorganisms. Not too sweet, not too dry. Fruity finish.

Terada Honke

 

  << >> Main