Types of Japanese Sake
Understanding sake classifications: From everyday Futsushu to ultra-premium Daiginjo
Quick Answer: Main Types of Sake
The 8 main types of premium sake (Tokutei Meishoshu) are:
- Junmai Daiginjo - Ultra-premium, 50% or less rice remaining
- Daiginjo - Ultra-premium with added alcohol, 50% or less
- Junmai Ginjo - Premium pure rice, 60% or less
- Ginjo - Premium with added alcohol, 60% or less
- Tokubetsu Junmai - Special pure rice, 60% or less
- Tokubetsu Honjozo - Special with added alcohol, 60% or less
- Junmai - Pure rice sake, no polishing requirement
- Honjozo - Added alcohol, 70% or less rice remaining
Sake Classification System
| Type | Rice Polishing | Added Alcohol | Flavor Profile | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junmai Daiginjo | ≤50% | ❌ | Fruity, complex, elegant | $$$$ |
| Daiginjo | ≤50% | ✅ | Very aromatic, light, refined | $$$$ |
| Junmai Ginjo | ≤60% | ❌ | Fruity, smooth, balanced | $$$ |
| Ginjo | ≤60% | ✅ | Light, fragrant, crisp | $$$ |
| Junmai | No limit | ❌ | Rich, full-bodied, rice-forward | $$ |
| Honjozo | ≤70% | ✅ | Light, dry, easy-drinking | $$ |
Understanding Each Type
Pure Rice Sake (Junmai-shu 純米酒)
Junmai Daiginjo
The pinnacle of sake brewing art. Made with rice polished to 50% or less, using only rice, water, and koji. Features complex fruit and floral aromas with an incredibly smooth, refined taste.
Best for: Special occasions, sake connoisseurs
Serving: Chilled (5-10°C)
Food pairing: Delicate seafood, sashimi
Junmai Ginjo
Premium sake with rice polished to 60% or less. Offers fruity and floral notes while maintaining the rice's umami. More approachable than Daiginjo but still refined.
Best for: Sake beginners exploring premium options
Serving: Chilled to cool (5-15°C)
Food pairing: Light appetizers, grilled fish
Junmai
The most traditional style with no polishing ratio requirement. Full-bodied with rich, savory rice flavors. Versatile and food-friendly, representing sake in its purest form.
Best for: Food pairing, everyday drinking
Serving: Any temperature (versatile)
Food pairing: Hearty dishes, grilled meats
Added Alcohol Sake (Aruten-shu)
Daiginjo
Ultra-premium sake with added distilled alcohol to enhance aromas. Rice polished to 50% or less. Often competition-grade with intense fruity aromas and crystal-clear flavor.
Best for: Special celebrations, gifts
Serving: Well-chilled (5-8°C)
Food pairing: Fine dining, kaiseki cuisine
Ginjo
Light and aromatic with rice polished to 60% or less. The added alcohol brings out delicate fragrances. Crisp, clean, and refreshing with good balance.
Best for: First-time sake drinkers
Serving: Chilled (5-10°C)
Food pairing: Tempura, light dishes
Honjozo
Light, smooth sake with rice polished to 70% or less. The added alcohol creates a clean, dry finish. Excellent value and very food-friendly. Can be enjoyed at various temperatures.
Best for: Everyday drinking, warm sake
Serving: Any temperature
Food pairing: Izakaya food, oden
Special Sake Types
Nigori (にごり)
Cloudy sake with rice sediment. Creamy texture with sweet, rice-pudding-like flavors. Great for beginners who prefer sweeter drinks.
Serving: Well-chilled, shake gently before serving
Nama (生)
Unpasteurized sake with fresh, vibrant flavors. Lively and zesty with bright fruit notes. Must be kept refrigerated.
Serving: Always chilled, consume quickly after opening
Koshu (古酒)
Aged sake with complex flavors of nuts, honey, and caramel. Color deepens to amber or gold. Similar to sherry or aged whiskey.
Serving: Room temperature or slightly warmed
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Junmai and non-Junmai sake?+
Junmai sake is made with only rice, water, koji, and yeast. Non-Junmai sake (like Honjozo, Ginjo, and Daiginjo without "Junmai" prefix) has a small amount of distilled alcohol added to enhance aromas and create a lighter body.
Which type of sake is best for beginners?+
Junmai Ginjo or Ginjo are excellent starting points. They offer fruity aromas and smooth flavors without being too expensive. Nigori (cloudy sake) is also beginner-friendly due to its sweet, creamy taste.
Does more expensive sake taste better?+
Not necessarily. Price often reflects the labor-intensive polishing process and lower yields of Daiginjo grades. Many affordable Junmai and Honjozo sakes offer excellent flavor, especially with food. Choose based on your taste preference rather than price alone.
Ready to Explore Different Sake Types?
Browse our collection organized by type, with detailed tasting notes and beginner-friendly recommendations for each category.