Recommended Sake Brands.Introducing the different types of Sake and what dishes to pair them with.
Japanese Sake is gaining in popularity and attracting attention globally. It also makes a popular gift or souvenir.
Here we introduce the different types, flavours, best dishes to pair your sake with and best award winning brands of recent years!
What is the difference between Seishu Sake and Nihonshu Sake?
"Seishu Sake" refers to sake that uses rice, rice koji, water and overseas products as the main raw materials and can be brewed anywhere in the world.
On the other hand "Nihonshu Sake" refers to Sake that only uses rice produced in Japan and then is brewed solely in Japan.
Types & Flavours of Sake
Sake is divided into types such as Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo and Honjozo. The differences depend mainly on what percentage of the rice is polished or whether brewed alcohol was added to the brewing process. For those who do not know much about the differences between Sakes, lets us tell you about the the aromas & flavors of Japanese Sake so you find your favourite!
▼ Kun-shu Sake (Fruity Types)
Representative Examples: Daiginjo / Ginjo Sakes
These are fragrant sakes with aromas of fruits and flowers.
The tastes are light and refreshing.
Many of these sakes are clear and transparent in color.
▼ Juku-shu Sake (Matured Types)
Representative Examples: Choki Long Aged Sakes
Complex rich aromas of dried fruits and spices, with a thick consistency and a rich, strong flavor. Many of these sakes are yellow or have golden colors. Just like high end wines or whiskeys the "umami" of the sake comes out more when aged or matured.
▼ Sou-shu Sake (Light & Smooth Types)
Representative Examples: Futsu Sake / Honjozo Sake / Nama-Zake (freshly pressed sakes)
Refreshing and smooth flavors with mild to modest aromas. These sakes are often described as "Tanrei" sakes meaning light & delicate in flavor.
▼Jun-shu (Full-Bodied Types)
Representative Examples: Junmai Sake / Kimoto Sake / Yamahai Sake
Taste the "umami" and richness of the rice with these full bodied sakes. It is said that most of the Japanese sakes belong to this taste type and so when people think of Japanese Sake they often think of this taste.
(C) Copyright Sake Service Institute. All Rights Reserved / Sake Service Institute (SSI) This article was created based on the "4 types of sake flavor characteristics" by SSI.
How to enjoy Sake.
Sake may not have a strong taste like wine but it's appealing point is its delicate flavor and broad aromas. As there is a wide variety of sakes, they can easily be paired with food or in cocktails. Find your favourite! Enjoy finding the best ones to suit your tastes, mood or dish!
Japanese Sake Food Pairing Recommendations [Selected by Specialists in Each Country]
Sake is obviously an alcohol which matches well with Japanese dishes but it can also be paired with many other cuisines & dishes from around the world. Watch these videos of our experts in each country giving their pairings for which dishes best match which sakes.
尹達剛 - The World's Best Sake Pairing 2021 日/En/Fr/繁/简
Marie Chiba - The World's Best Sake Pairing 2021 日/En/Fr/繁/简
Xavier THUIZAT - The World's Best Sake Pairing 2021/日/En/Fr/繁/简
Tomos Parry - The World's Best Sake Pairing 2021 日/En/Fr/繁/简
Keisuke Matsushima - The World's Best Sake Pairing 2021 日/En/Fr/繁/简
3 Recommended Award Winning Sake Brands
Garyubai Junmai Ginjo Yamada Nishiki (Sanwa Brewery / Shizuoka Prefecture)
Received the platinum award in the Junmai category at the Kura Master Sake Competition in France. "Yamada Nishiki" is a type of rice used in making sake often called the "King of Sake Rice". It is a rice which perfectly embodies the characteristics of rice for Sake! This sake is a Junmai Ginjo Sake which has a distinctly rich flavor and a mellow aroma.
Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai (Nanbu Bijin / Iwate Prefecture)
Won a sake champion trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) awards, held each year in the UK. This Nanbu Bijin uses the unique sake rice "Ginotome" which belongs to Iwate Prefecture, and was developed in collaboration with the brewery and local farmers. The sake is made with rice that has been polished down to 55%. This sake is brewed in Ninohe using rice produced in Ninohe and using fresh underground water from Ninohe prefecture's natural park. It has a soft fruity aroma with an elegant rice flavour, whilst the aftertaste is clean and refreshing.
Amabuki Omachi Junmai Ginjo Strawberry Yeast (Amabuki Brewery / Saga Prefecture)
An IWC Junmai Ginjo Gold Award winner. This "Amabuki Strawberry Yeast" is a junmai ginjo that expresses the sweetness and sourness of strawberries. The taste is refreshing with a beautiful sourness and fresh sweetness that coats your mouth. The acidity of the sake makes it the perfect accomplise to spicy, oily dishes. Whilst enjoying it with some strawberry slices is a match made in heaven!
