The 7 best Japanese sake to shop online and drink
Japanese sake is a type of alcoholic beverage that has been around since the 12th century. It can be found in many varieties, but certain types of sake are better than others.
This list provides seven sake drinks for those who want to experience something new and unique! Here is the best sake to buy online this year:
What is the best Japanese sake?
There are many different types of sake, so it can be tough to determine which one is the best. However, there are a few sakes that stand out from the rest and deserve to be mentioned.
The following seven sake are some of the best you can buy online right now:
- Kubota Senjyu Ginjo Sake
- Kurosawa Sake Junmai Kimoto
- Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo “Otter Festival”
- Kikusui Junmai Ginjo
- Masumi Sanka Jumai Daiginjo
- Tozai Snow Maiden Junmai Nigori Sake
1 Kubota Senjyu Ginjo Sake
The Kubota Senjyu Ginjo Sake is a well-balanced tanrei-karakuchi sake that is best-enjoyed chilled4. Its refined and harmonious character pairs perfectly with light vegetable dishes, seafood, and fish6. The name “Senju” translates to “1000 long lives” in Japanese, and it was the first product introduced in 1985 by the prestigious Kubota line.
This sake is perfect for any occasion, whether celebrating or just relaxing with friends.
Features
- Class: Ginjo
- Rice: Gohyakumangoku
- Rice-Polishing Ratio: Koji 50% kake : 55%
- Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
- Brewery Location: Niigata
- Food Pairings: Fried Chicken, Yakiniku BBQ, Kimchi Hot Pot
2 Kurosawa Sake Junmai Kimoto
The Kurosawa Sake Junmai Kimoto sake is another sake worth looking into. This sake has a very elegant flavor that can take your breath away, so it’s perfect for special occasions! This sake is made with kimoto yeast, which gives it a rich and earthy flavor.
Features
- Class: Junmai
- Rice-Polishing Ratio: Koji 45% kake : 65%
- Brewery Location: Nagano Prefecture
- Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
- Food Pairings: Meat, Seafood
Get you Kurosawa sake here!
#3 Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo “Otter Festival”
The Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo sake is another sake that has a rich flavor. Imagine pushing through a meadow of white blooms, the spring air brushing against your skin, and a succulent mango in your hand. Open your eyes to discover Dassai “39” and bring your imagination to life. Toji Jiro Ishikawa, who works for the Hakutsuru Shuzo Company in Japan, made this sake. It can be served hot or cold and will complement any meal!
Features
- Class: Junmai Daiginjo
- Rice: Gohyakumangoku
- Rice-Polishing Ratio: Koji 61% Kake: 39%
- Brewery Location: Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Alcohol: 16% ABV
- Food Pairings: Seafood, Fish & Chips, Steak, Pizza.
Get your Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo today!
#4 Kikusui Junmai Ginjo
The Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sake is a perfect choice for those who want something light and refreshing. This sake has a sweet flavor that will leave you wanting more! Kikusui Sake Company of Niigata prefecture rose from the ashes after 130 years of history on their shoulders. The name “Kikusui” is derived from a Noh drama in which dew (Sui) from chrysanthemum petals gives eternal life.
Features
- Class: Junmai Ginjo
- Rice-Polishing Ratio: Koji 45% Kake : 55%
- Brewery Location: Niigata Prefecture
- Alcohol: 12% ABV
- Food Pairings: Spicy Dishes, Sushi, Salads, Mild Cheeses. Tempura and other Deep-Fried foods, Fruit Salad
Get your Kikusui Junmai Ginjo sake here!
#5 Masumi Sanka Jumai Daiginjo
The Masumi Sanka Jumai Daiginjo is light and fragrant, evoking a springtime alpine meadow. This is a subtle, elegant sake with peach, banana, and aniseed aroma notes. This is another sake that has a rich flavor.
The only way to continue the ancient tradition of sake-making was for master brewers in Japan, who have devoted their lives to studying and perfecting this labor-intensive process. This sake will leave you wanting more!
Features:
- Class: Junmai Daiginjo
- Rice-Polishing Ratio: Koji 60% Kake : 40%
- Brewery Location: Nagano Prefecture
- Alcohol: 16% ABV
- Food Pairings Spicy dishes, sushi, salads mild cheeses Tempura and other deep-fried foods Fruit salad
Get your Masumi Sanka Jumai Daiginjo sake here!
#6 Tozai Snow Maiden Junmai Nigori Sake
The Tozai Snow Maiden sake is a sake that is made with rice that has been polished down to 50%. This sake is sweet and smooth, with a touch of acidity. It’s perfect for those who want something light and refreshing!
Features:
- Class: Junmai Nigori
- Rice-Polishing Ratio: Koji 30% Kake: 70%
- Brewery Location: Kyoto Prefecture
- Alcohol: 14.9% ABV
- Food Pairings: Spicy Dishes, Sushi, Salads. Tempura and other deep-fried foods, Fruit salad
Get your Tozai Snow Maiden sake today!
What is sake?
Sake (Pronounce: SAH-keh), made from a combination of rice and water, is produced by fermenting the natural sugars present in the fruit. Sake is created by a brewing process comparable to that used for beer. For sake, rice starch is changed to sugar by enzymes, after which it is converted to alcohol by yeast. Brewing rice and water of good quality are essential for producing excellent sake.
When you think about the word Sake, you might imagine a Japanese Sake you drink at a restaurant. But in Japanese, Sake means simply alcohol.
What is sake made from?
Sake is made by adding yeast to rice. Fermentation occurs as sugar is converted into alcohol.
What is sake made from?
Sake is made through a complex process that uses four ingredients: water, rice, koji, and yeast. In a process similar to making wine and beer, when yeast is added to the rice, it ferments the sugars into alcohol.
Source: totalwine.com
How strong is sake?
Sake typically contains between 14 percent and 17 percent alcohol by volume (abv). Sake is stronger than most wine and beer but contains fewer calories per serving than spirits like vodka. In Japan, 22 percent alcohol by volume (abv) is the legal drinking age for sake. Sake drinks made from rice wine mixed with fruits such as apples, pears, oranges, etc., usually contain 6–8 percent alcohol by volume. There are a variety of Sake cocktail recipes available. After trying Sake in traditional ways, try some cocktails too!
