Please review our shipping policy, we are limited to where we can ship to due to state licensing laws.
Your cart is currently empty
Sake, often referred to as "sake wine" or "Japanese rice wine," is a traditional alcoholic beverage from Japan. However, it is essential to clarify that sake is not technically a wine; it is a fermented rice-based drink with a distinct production process that sets it apart from grape wines.
Key characteristics of sake:
Ingredients: Sake is primarily made from polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. The type and quality of rice used, along with the water source, play a significant role in shaping the sake's flavor profile.
Fermentation Process: The production of sake involves a unique fermentation process. Koji mold (Aspergillus oryzae) is cultivated to convert the starches in the rice into fermentable sugars. Then, yeast is added to the mixture to facilitate the fermentation process, where the sugars are converted into alcohol. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process are essential to sake production.
Polishing: The rice used in sake-making is often polished or milled to remove the outer layers, leaving behind the starchy core. The polishing ratio, expressed as a percentage, indicates how much of the rice has been removed. A lower polishing ratio typically indicates a higher quality sake.
Classification: Sake comes in various styles and grades, classified based on factors like the degree of rice polishing, brewing techniques, and the addition of distilled alcohol. The main categories are:
Alcohol Content: Sake generally has an alcohol content of around 15% to 20%, which is higher than most grape wines.
Flavor Profile: The flavor profile of sake can vary widely, depending on factors such as rice type, water source, and brewing techniques. Sake can range from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity, with delicate or robust aromas.
Serving Temperature: Sake can be enjoyed at different temperatures, each offering a unique tasting experience. It can be served chilled (reishu), at room temperature (jo-on), or warmed (kan).
Drinking Vessels: Sake is traditionally served in small cups called "ochoko" or in square wooden boxes called "masu." However, wine glasses or other vessels are also used for tasting and enjoying sake.
Sake is an integral part of Japanese culture and is often enjoyed during special occasions, festivals, and gatherings. Its versatility, delicate flavors, and diverse styles have earned it a place in the international beverage market, allowing more people to appreciate and enjoy this unique Japanese rice-based drink.
