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Sake Classification
Grades, Rice polishing & Taste

Premium Sake Classification

Explore the different classifications of Premium Sake... For high quality sake, rice is polished prior to processing with the goal of eliminating the bran and protein which encase the starch held at the center of the rice grain. The smaller the rice polishing ratio, the finer and more aromatic the sake.

Premium Sake Classification

What defines Premium Sake and its ingredients?

For premium, non-Junmai styles of sake, the addition of brewer’s alcohol under 10% of rice weight is permitted. For Junmai styles, however, this addition is prohibited and the sake must be made exclusively from polished rice and water. In the case of non-premium sake, the brewer has the liberty to make more additions, such as a greater amount of brewer’s alcohol and glutamate, among others.

The percentages on the bottle show the share of production in Japan claimed by each type of sake.

Rice polishing ratio defines quality and taste

For high quality Sake, the rice is polished before processing in order to obtain the highest possible proportion of the starch, which is concentrated in the centre of the Sake rice grain. The smaller the rice polishing ratio, the finer and more aromatic the Sake will be.

Rice polishing ratio

Categories of Premium Sake

Premium Sake is classified based on ingredients, polishing ratios, and brewing methods, resulting in distinct flavors and quality tiers. Explore the different categories of Premium Sake here...

純米大吟醸 Junmai Daiginjo Sake

Junmai Daiginjo is a particularly high-quality premium sake with a rice polishing rate 50%. It is brewed exclusively from water and rice without the addition of alcohol. Junmai Daiginjo demonstrates extremely harmonious aromas and flavours and is an exquisite pairing for all sorts of dishes from starters to main courses.

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Dassai Beyond
Beyond
Dassai Beyond
This sake is the top product of the world-famous producer, DASSAI, brewed specifically with the goal...

0.72 Liter (€958.33* / 1 Liter)

€690.00
Dewazakura Ichiro
Ichiro
Dewazakura Ichiro
DEWAZAKURA Ichiro is, as its name suggests, a serious contender for the best of the best, having won...

0.72 Liter (€96.53* / 1 Liter)

€69.50
Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo
Junmai Daiginjo
Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo
A bold floral bouquet of lily, iris and hyacinth and a taste of fresh berries. A Franco-Japanese com...

0.72 Liter (€145.83* / 1 Liter)

€105.00
Ikekame Turtle Red
Turtle Red
Ikekame Turtle Red
Turtle Red is a classic Junmai Daiginjo with a twist: it's brewed with black koji which produces a h...

0.72 Liter (€54.17* / 1 Liter)

€39.00
Imayo Tsukasa Koi
Koi
Imayo Tsukasa Koi
This Junmai Daiginjo combines elegant bottle design with a complex flavor profile. Inspired by the g...

0.72 Liter (€155.56* / 1 Liter)

€112.00
Katsuyama Den
Den
Katsuyama Den
This elegant Junmai Daiginjo is a masterpiece of the traditional art of sake brewing. Made from extr...

0.72 Liter (€152.78* / 1 Liter)

€110.00
Katsuyama Gen
Gen
Katsuyama Gen
A truly liquid jewel, inspired by the legendary Sauternes, Château d'Yquem. This dessert sake impres...

0.5 Liter (€280.00* / 1 Liter)

€140.00
Katsuyama Diamond
Diamond
Katsuyama Diamond
The “liquid diamond” - a masterpiece made from Yamada Nishiki rice, polished to 35%, from the Specia...

0.72 Liter (€819.44* / 1 Liter)

€590.00

大吟醸 Daiginjo Sake

Daiginjo is a particularly high quality premium sake with a rice polishing ratio below 50%. The slight addition of brewed alcohol shortly before pressing releases additional aromas from the mash. Daiginjo is particularly aroma-intensive and shows a very soft texture. A pleasure for special moments, indeed.

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Hatsumago Daiginjo
Daiginjo
Hatsumago Daiginjo
An elegant daiginjo brewed using the traditional kimoto method, which produces lactic acid in the sa...

0.72 Liter (€94.44* / 1 Liter)

€68.00
Ikekame Turtle Blue
Turtle Blue
Ikekame Turtle Blue
It is said in Japan that turtles are the bearers of good luck and have come to represent longevity. ...

0.72 Liter (€47.22* / 1 Liter)

€34.00
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
Hizoshu 5 Years
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
An exceptional, super-premium sake matured at 0°C for over 5 years. This careful ageing brings out e...

0.75 Liter (€145.33* / 1 Liter)

€109.00
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
Dragon Blue
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
A Daiginjo of exceptional finesse, brewed from Yamada Nishiki rice from the renowned rice fields in ...

0.72 Liter (€101.39* / 1 Liter)

€73.00
Fukuju Shizuku Jewelry
Shizuku Jewelry
Fukuju Shizuku Jewelry
Particularly fine and complex Daiginjo made from Yamada Nishiki rice, which has been polished to 35%...

0.72 Liter (€677.78* / 1 Liter)

€488.00
Tip
Amabuki Himmelswind
Himmelswind
Amabuki Himmelswind
Amabuki Himmelswind is an aromatic Daiginjo of the highest quality. This sake is brewed with a yeast...

0.18 Liter (€88.89* / 1 Liter)

From €16.00
Fukuju Kobe Gold
Kobe Gold
Fukuju Kobe Gold
An elegant and smooth Daiginjo sake brewed with exquisite Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture ...

0.3 Liter (€110.00* / 1 Liter)

From €33.00

純米吟醸 Junmai Ginjo Sake

Junmai Ginjo is a high quality premium sake that is brewed exclusively from water and rice without the addition of alcohol. The rice polishing ratio is below 60%. Junmai Ginjo has a slightly fruity aroma and a full-bodied taste. It is a versatile food companion.

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Tip
Ikekame Junmai Ginjo Nama
Junmai Ginjo Nama
Ikekame Junmai Ginjo Nama
This "Nama" (unpasteurized) Junmai Ginjo is brewed from the local Yume Ikken rice variety and using ...

0.72 Liter (€48.61* / 1 Liter)

€35.00
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
An exceptionally harmonious Junmai Ginjo intended as an ideal companion for classic Japanese dishes....

0.72 Liter (€54.17* / 1 Liter)

€39.00
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Omachi rice from Okayama is used to brew this Junmai Ginjo - this is the preferred rice of the toji ...

0.72 Liter (€54.86* / 1 Liter)

€39.50
Shichiken Velvet
Velvet
Shichiken Velvet
As its name suggests, this is an elegant, velvety sake. Showing aromas of green apple, pears, mandar...

0.3 Liter (€53.33* / 1 Liter)

From €15.00
Ninki Taru Sake
Taru Sake
Ninki Taru Sake
This Junmai Ginjo is a characterful Taru sake that delights with the refreshing aroma of Japanese Su...

0.72 Liter (€52.78* / 1 Liter)

€38.00
Fukuju Kobe Classic
Kobe Classic
Fukuju Kobe Classic
This Junmai Ginjo is brewed in the historic sake village of Nada (Hyogo Prefecture) with the famous ...

0.3 Liter (€58.33* / 1 Liter)

From €17.50
Rihaku Wandering Poet
Wandering Poet
Rihaku Wandering Poet
A renowned Junmai Ginjo sake from Shimane Prefecture which was named after the legendary Chinese poe...

0.3 Liter (€53.33* / 1 Liter)

From €16.00
Heavensake Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
Heavensake Junmai Ginjo
The first thing to notice of this Junmai Ginjo are the delicate floral notes and a hint of citrus. F...

0.72 Liter (€68.06* / 1 Liter)

€49.00

吟醸 Ginjo Sake

Ginjo is a high quality premium sake with a rice polishing rate below 60%. Ginjo allows the addition of brewing alcohol in small quantities. Ginjo is fermented for a long time at a low temperature. It is fruity and aromatic with a delicate taste. It pairs well with light meals.

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Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
Ginjo
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
In Iwate Prefecture, the NANBU BIJIN brewery produces this excellent ginjo sake from Miyama Nishiki ...

0.3 Liter (€50.00* / 1 Liter)

From €15.00
Ninki Sake Barrel
Sake Barrel
Ninki Sake Barrel
This high-quality Ginjo is presented in a traditional sake barrel, wherein its balanced profile and ...

0.3 Liter (€143.33* / 1 Liter)

€43.00
Gekkeikan Kyoto Ginjo
Kyoto Ginjo
Gekkeikan Kyoto Ginjo
A cute old-fashioned ginjo in a retro bottle with a small cup as a cap. Gekkeikan became known as “t...

0.72 Liter (€76.39* / 1 Liter)

€55.00
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
Kirschblüte
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
DEWAZAKURA’s Kirschblüte has been a bestseller since the 1980s and played a significant role in kick...

0.3 Liter (€50.00* / 1 Liter)

From €15.00

純米 Junmai Sake

Junmai is a premium sake, brewed exclusively from water and rice without the addition of brewed alcohol. Junmai has a strong and full-bodied profile. It is often brewed from regional rice varieties and represents the terroir of the brewery. It can often be enjoyed cool or warm.

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Tatsuriki Sakura Sake
Sakura Sake
Tatsuriki Sakura Sake
A seasonal Junmai with strong acidity and light, gentle sweetness. Its floral and fruity aromas embo...

0.72 Liter (€76.39* / 1 Liter)

€55.00
Tip
Tedorigawa u.Tedorigawa
u.Tedorigawa
Tedorigawa u.Tedorigawa
Modern Yamahai-Genshu with a low alcohol content (13%). Aromas of yellow fruits, mango, melon and ba...

0.72 Liter (€54.17* / 1 Liter)

€39.00
SHO-KU Batch R302 Koshi-hikari
Batch R302 Koshi-hikari
SHO-KU Batch R302 Koshi-hikari
Dies ist der zweite batch, der in der LAGOON Brauerei jemals gebraut wurde. Für das Brauen wurden 10...

0.72 Liter (€83.33* / 1 Liter)

€60.00
Amabuki I love Sushi
I love Sushi
Amabuki I love Sushi
Created to be enjoyed with sushi and sashimi: this light, dry sake is ready to drink straight from t...

0.72 Liter (€40.97* / 1 Liter)

€29.50
Amabuki I love Sushi Cup
I love Sushi Cup
Amabuki I love Sushi Cup
Created to be enjoyed with sushi and sashimi: this light, dry sake is ready to drink straight from t...

0.18 Liter (€50.00* / 1 Liter)

€9.00
Tatsuriki Little Dragon Cup
Little Dragon Cup
Tatsuriki Little Dragon Cup
The TATSURIKI brewery owns rice fields in the best location in Hyogo Prefecture (Special A), which i...

0.18 Liter (€50.00* / 1 Liter)

€9.00
Niida Shizenshu Red Label
Shizenshu Red Label
Niida Shizenshu Red Label
NIIDA HONKE follows the principle of “shizenshu” (“natural sake”) and brews “natural sake”. The rice...

0.72 Liter (€44.44* / 1 Liter)

€32.00
Niida Shizenshu Kioke
Shizenshu Kioke
Niida Shizenshu Kioke
NIIDA HONKE follows the principle of “Shizenshu” (“natural sake”): the rice is home-grown in organic...

0.72 Liter (€58.33* / 1 Liter)

€42.00

本醸造 Honjozo Sake

Honjozo is a premium sake that allows the addition of alcohol up to 10% of the rice weight. Honjozo's rice polishing ratio is below 70%. The sake usually appears light and fresh and goes particularly well with fish and seafood. Honjozo can usually be enjoyed cold and warm.

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Urakasumi Honjozo
Honjozo
Urakasumi Honjozo
This Honjozo is characterized by its fresh aroma and light fruit character. The palate is mild and r...

0.72 Liter (€36.11* / 1 Liter)

€26.00
Masuizumi Karakuchi
Karakuchi
Masuizumi Karakuchi
This sake is considered the brewmaster's favorite and is ideal for everyday enjoyment. The term “kar...

0.72 Liter (€40.28* / 1 Liter)

From €27.00
Hatsumago Kimoto Tradition
Kimoto Tradition
Hatsumago Kimoto Tradition
This rustic and umami-rich Honjozo, which is brewed using the traditional Kimoto method, was named b...

0.72 Liter (€34.72* / 1 Liter)

From €25.00
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
Snow Hut
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
This Honjozo sake is brewed with local rice using the Yamahai method yielding a fine acidity and sub...

0.72 Liter (€40.28* / 1 Liter)

€29.00
Bijofu Honjozo
Honjozo
Bijofu Honjozo
Menge: 720ml
BIJOFU Honjozo is uniquely delicious within our sortiment and represents an outstanding quality-to-p...

0.72 Liter (€41.67* / 1 Liter)

€30.00
Azuma Rikishi Sumo
Sumo
Azuma Rikishi Sumo
This Honjozo sake has notes of cereal, dried fruits, walnut, muesli, and coffee. On the palate, it h...

0.72 Liter (€36.11* / 1 Liter)

€26.00