Japanese sake is considered the most traditional alcohol available in Japan. Sake manufacturers have broadened their horizons to enter the global market. Facing stiff competition from new alcoholic drinks such as beer and whiskey, Japanese sake has managed to stay afloat and maintain a loyal customer base.
In the modern era, Japanese cuisine has gained worldwide popularity and this has boosted the marketability of Sake in many countries such as Taiwan, South Korea, European countries, the United States, and Singapore.
Identifying the Different Grades of Nihonshu or Sake
You can get two grades of japanese sake singapore; ordinary sake and premium grade sake. The futsushu (ordinary) sake is similar to a plain table wine. It is usually consumed hot and can be even used in preparing food. The other type is called tokutei meisho-su (premium) sake, which is termed the finest quality sake. Premium sake can be drunk as it is.
The premium grade is again divided into two groups that are Junmai and Honjozo.
- Junmai – A traditional high-grade sake that is brewed with ingredients comprising of rice, koji, and water only.
- Honjozo – A high-quality premium sake prepared from koji, rice, water, and a specific quantity of superior distilled alcohol, made mostly from sugar cane.
There are various sub-categories related to the process of making sake. Some key procedures include adding the correct rice polishing ratio, also called seimai buai in Japan. It is said that the lower the percentage of rice polishing ratio, the better the quality of the sake.
How is Japanese Sake Served?
The premium quality Junmai sake is mostly served dry. With its high-toned aromatic flavour, Junmai offers a complex taste. This is super premium quality sake that is polished almost to perfection. With a subtle and delicate disposition, premium sake is always pleasant to drink and light on the palate. Most premium sake such as Junmai and Honjozo has a refined 70% seimai buai or rice polishing ratio.
Lesser Known Sake Classifications
- Genshu – It is made with 99% unpolished rice and is never diluted at the final stage of the process. It contains 20% alcohol content.
- Taru – It has a woody aroma. This dry sake is aged differently, in great cedar or oak barrels. Most of them are aged in special Yoshino cedar, which is exclusively grown in the Yoshino area.
- Nigori – This sake has a cloudy appearance. It is technically coarsely pressed and boasts a great many textures and sweetness. You can feel a creamier texture when you drink nigori sake.
It is not necessary to raid your bank to enjoy premium Japanese sake. Due to fierce competition in the sake market, you can purchase first-rate quality sake at affordable rates.
For buying premium quality Japanese sake in Singapore in large quantities, you can approach Inter Rice Asia. The company is a well-established distributor of high-quality premium Japanese alcoholic beverages in Singapore. It offers only the best-quality imported Japanese sake acquired from the finest boutique sake breweries found in Japan. The young and dynamic IRA team is keen to promote the rich Asian culture all over the world.
