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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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IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 3
IWA 5 Assemblage 3
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 3
Junmai Daiginjo
Richard Geoffroy, Chef de Cave at Dom Pérignon Champagne and current founder and creator of IWA 5, c...

0.72 Liter (€270.83 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €195.00
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 4
Junmai Daiginjo
IWA 5 Assemblage 4 combines elegance and depth, composed of Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangok...

0.72 Liter (€243.06 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €175.00
Sawa no hana Pure White
Pure White
Sawa no hana Pure White
Junmai Daiginjo
A sophisticated Junmai Daiginjo with the refreshing aroma of Sauvignon Blanc and elderflowers. "Pure...

0.72 Liter (€76.39 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €55.00
Urakasumi M
M
Urakasumi M
Junmai Daiginjo
Particularly elegant and extravagant Junmai Daiginjo. This Junmai Daiginjo is characterized by its l...

0.72 Liter (€138.19 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €99.50
Urakasumi Hirano
Hirano
Urakasumi Hirano
Junmai Daiginjo, Kimoto/Yamahai
The legendary master brewer Hirano shaped URAKASUMI’s house style for over 60 years. The ensuing ‘Hi...

0.72 Liter (€163.89 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €118.00
Tedorigawa Honryu Junmai Daiginjo
Honryu Junmai Daiginjo
Tedorigawa Honryu Junmai Daiginjo
Junmai Daiginjo
This fine and aromatic Junmai Daiginjo is an ideal companion for food. Young master brewer, Yasuyuki...

0.72 Liter (€76.39 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €55.00
Toko Schneekönigin
Schneekönigin
Toko Schneekönigin
Junmai Daiginjo
This Junmai Daiginjo is brewed from the Yuki Megami (Snow Queen) rice variety from Yamagata Prefectu...

0.72 Liter (€96.53 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €69.50
Toko Fukurotsuri Drop 18
Fukurotsuri Drop 18
Toko Fukurotsuri Drop 18
Junmai Daiginjo
This highly elegant Junmai Daiginjo from Yamagata was awarded the prestigious IWC Junmai Daiginjo Tr...

0.72 Liter (€344.44 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €248.00

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

0.3 Liter (€110.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €72.00
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
Dragon Blue
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
Daiginjo
A Daiginjo of exceptional finesse, brewed from Yamada Nishiki rice from the renowned rice fields in ...

0.72 Liter (€101.39 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €73.00
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
Hizoshu 5 Years
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
Daiginjo, Koshu / Aged Sake
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)

Regular price: €109.00
Ikekame Turtle Blue
Turtle Blue
Ikekame Turtle Blue
Daiginjo
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)

Regular price: €34.00
Hatsumago Daiginjo
Daiginjo
Hatsumago Daiginjo
Daiginjo, Kimoto/Yamahai
An elegant daiginjo brewed using the traditional kimoto method, which produces lactic acid in the sa...

0.72 Liter (€94.44 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €68.00

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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Niida Shizenshu Cloudy Melon
Shizenshu Cloudy Melon
Niida Shizenshu Cloudy Melon
Niida Shizenshu Cloudy Melon is a naturally cloudy Junmai Ginjo from Fukushima, made exclusively fro...

0.72 Liter (€63.89 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €46.00
Sawa no hana Himari
Himari
Sawa no hana Himari
Junmai Ginjo
“Himari,” means ‘the gift of the sun,’ and evokes visions of sunflowers and sunkissed locales. This ...

0.72 Liter (€54.17 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €39.00
Gokyo Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
Gokyo Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
Elegant and juicy Junmai Ginjo brewed with the soft water of the Nishiki River and highly polished Y...

0.72 Liter (€54.17 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €39.00
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Junmai Ginjo
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)

Regular price: €39.50
Urakasumi Zen
Zen
Urakasumi Zen
Junmai Ginjo
This sake was one of the first Junmai Ginjo to be launched in Japan. It was introduced back in 1973....

0.72 Liter (€54.17 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €39.00
Urakasumi No.12
No.12
Urakasumi No.12
Junmai Ginjo
This Junmai Ginjo is brewed with the sake yeast “No.12”, which was discovered and bred at the URAKAS...

0.72 Liter (€54.17 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €39.00
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
An exceptionally harmonious Junmai Ginjo intended as an ideal companion for classic Japanese dishes....

0.72 Liter (€54.17 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €39.00
Toko JG Genshu
JG Genshu
Toko JG Genshu
Genshu, Junmai Ginjo
For this Junmai Ginjo, TOKO selects the regional Dewano Sato rice variety from Yamagata, which gives...

0.72 Liter (€54.17 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €39.00

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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Gekkeikan Kyoto Ginjo
Kyoto Ginjo
Gekkeikan Kyoto Ginjo
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)

Regular price: €55.00
Ninki Sake Barrel
Sake Barrel
Ninki Sake Barrel
Ginjo
This high-quality Ginjo is presented in a traditional sake barrel, wherein its balanced profile and ...

0.3 Liter (€143.33 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €43.00
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
Kirschblüte
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
Ginjo
DEWAZAKURA’s Kirschblüte has been a bestseller since the 1980s and played a significant role in kick...

0.3 Liter (€50.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €15.00
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
Ginjo
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
Ginjo
In Iwate Prefecture, the NANBU BIJIN brewery produces this excellent ginjo sake from Miyama Nishiki ...

0.3 Liter (€50.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: 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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Amabuki Marigold Cup
Marigold Cup
Amabuki Marigold Cup
Junmai, Kimoto/Yamahai
Amabuki Marigold is a rich Junmai Sake brewed using the traditional Yamahai method, resulting in a c...

0.18 Liter (€50.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €9.00
Amabuki Marigold
Marigold
Amabuki Marigold
Kimoto/Yamahai
Amabuki Marigold is a rich Junmai Sake brewed using the traditional Yamahai method, resulting in a c...

0.18 Liter (€50.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €9.00
Amabuki I love Sushi
I love Sushi
Amabuki I love Sushi
Junmai
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)

Regular price: €29.50
Amabuki I love Sushi Cup
I love Sushi Cup
Amabuki I love Sushi Cup
Junmai
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)

Regular price: €9.00
Amabuki Rosé
Rosé
Amabuki Rosé
Junmai, Rosé Sake
Amabuki Rosé impresses with its wine-like character and its enchanting pink color, brought about by ...

0.18 Liter (€66.67 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €12.00
Bijofu Junmai
Junmai
Bijofu Junmai
Junmai
Highly aromatic and fresh, Bijofu Junmai is a modern Sake fit for every occasion. Its brewing proces...

0.72 Liter (€44.44 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €29.50
Daruma Masamune 10 Years
10 Years
Daruma Masamune 10 Years
Junmai, Koshu / Aged Sake
Amber-colored, Koshu sake cuvée from 5 different vintages of at least 10 years of age. The DARUMA MA...

0.72 Liter (€247.22 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €178.00
Daruma Masamune 1979
1979
Daruma Masamune 1979
Junmai, Koshu / Aged Sake
The DARUMA MASAMUNE brewery is a pioneer and expert in matured sake and has a library of over 50 bac...

0.2 Liter (€1,800.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €360.00

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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Azuma Rikishi Sumo
Sumo
Azuma Rikishi Sumo
Honjozo
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)

Regular price: €26.00
Bijofu Honjozo
Honjozo
Bijofu Honjozo
Menge: 720ml
Honjozo
BIJOFU Honjozo is uniquely delicious within our sortiment and represents an outstanding quality-to-p...

0.72 Liter (€41.67 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €30.00
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
Snow Hut
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
Honjozo, Kimoto/Yamahai
This Honjozo sake is brewed with local rice using the Yamahai method yielding a fine acidity and sub...

0.72 Liter (€41.67 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: €30.00
Hatsumago Kimoto Tradition
Kimoto Tradition
Hatsumago Kimoto Tradition
Honjozo, Kimoto/Yamahai
This rustic and umami-rich Honjozo, which is brewed using the traditional Kimoto method, was named b...

0.72 Liter (€34.72 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €25.00
Masuizumi Karakuchi
Karakuchi
Masuizumi Karakuchi
Honjozo
This sake is considered the brewmaster's favorite and is ideal for everyday enjoyment. The term “kar...

0.72 Liter (€40.28 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €29.00
Urakasumi Honjozo
Honjozo
Urakasumi Honjozo
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)

Regular price: €26.00