Fifty Best Sake
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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: Junmai Ginjo  

Banshu Ikkon
Kaede no Shizuku

“Rain Drop from the maple leaf”
Dry

Brewed with “Hyago Yumenishi” and natural spring water in low temperatures. Mild taste.

Kaede no Shizuku

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Biwa No Choju
“Longevity in Biwa”
Medium

100% organic Yamada-Nishiki rice, grown in rice paddies where carps breed.

Biwa No Choju

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Gassan no Yuki
“Snow of Mount Gassan”
Dry

Brewed with natural, mountain water and organic rice.

Gassan

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Hiokizakura
Densho Gouriki

“Cherry blossom of Hioki Region
Autumnal tints”

Dry

Distinctive, rich taste of “kyoryoku” rice.

Hiokizakura

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Juyondai
“Fourteenth Generation”

Delicate sweet taste, with a mild aroma.

Juyondai

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Kaiun
“Better fortune”
Dry

Light as a summer rain.

Kaiun

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Kiminoi Shuzo
“Emperor’s Well”

Kiminoi

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Koshi no Tosetsuka
“Flower in winter”
Extra Dry

Rich and fruity.

Koshi no Tosetsuka

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Manotsuru
Four Diamonds

Dry

Full-tasting with floral, rice flavor and slight sweetness.

Manotsuru

 

  Type: Junmai Ginjo  

Meisousui
“Meditation”
Extra Dry

A mellow aroma with a rich taste of rice and a hint of sourness. Full-bodied sake with a smooth finish.

Meisousui