Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation
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.

Skip product gallery
Ninki Gold Label
Gold Label
Ninki Gold Label
Ninki Gold is an ideal Junmai Daiginjo sake offering excellent value for money. It is brewed in trad...

0.3 Liter (CHF 71.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 21.40
Dassai 45
45
Dassai 45
DASSAI 45 has perfected its international appeal and is one of the best known Junmai Daiginjo in the...

0.3 Liter (CHF 89.00* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 26.70
Dassai 23
23
Dassai 23
This sake is a world-renowned Junmai Daiginjo, famous for its extremely low polishing rate of just 2...

0.3 Liter (CHF 213.67* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 64.10
Amabuki Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Amabuki Rhododendron
Amabuki Rhododendron is a full-bodied Junmai Daiginjo, brewed with rare Rhododendron blossom yeast a...

0.18 Liter (CHF 118.89* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 21.40
Amabuki Banana
Banana
Amabuki Banana
This Junmai Daiginjo offers a clear, sweet banana aroma on the nose and palate, created by a unique ...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Ikekame Barrel
Barrel
Ikekame Barrel
A rare sake made with black koji and matured in new French oak barrels. This maturation gives the sa...

0.72 Liter (CHF 118.06* / 1 Liter)

CHF 85.00
Toko Schneekönigin
Schneekönigin
Toko Schneekönigin
This Junmai Daiginjo is brewed from the Yuki Megami (Snow Queen) rice variety from Yamagata Prefectu...

0.72 Liter (CHF 127.78* / 1 Liter)

CHF 92.00

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.

Skip product gallery
Amabuki Himmelswind
Himmelswind
Amabuki Himmelswind
Amabuki Himmelswind is an aromatic Daiginjo of the highest quality. This sake is brewed with a yeast...

0.18 Liter (CHF 88.89* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 16.00
Fukuju Kobe Gold
Kobe Gold
Fukuju Kobe Gold
An elegant and smooth Daiginjo sake brewed with exquisite Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 147.00* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 44.10
Ikekame Turtle Blue
Turtle Blue
Ikekame Turtle Blue
It is said in Japan that turtles are the bearers of good luck and have come to represent longevity. ...

0.72 Liter (CHF 61.25* / 1 Liter)

CHF 44.10
Fukuju Miyamizu Drop
Miyamizu Drop
Fukuju Miyamizu Drop
This Daiginjo is produced using the Shizuku method, in which the sake is collected drop by drop from...

0.72 Liter (CHF 402.78* / 1 Liter)

CHF 290.00

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.

Skip product gallery
Sawa no hana Himari
Himari
Sawa no hana Himari
“Himari,” means ‘the gift of the sun,’ and evokes visions of sunflowers and sunkissed locales. This ...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Gokyo Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
Gokyo Junmai Ginjo
Elegant and juicy Junmai Ginjo brewed with the soft water of the Nishiki River and highly polished Y...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi
Omachi rice from Okayama is used to brew this Junmai Ginjo - this is the preferred rice of the toji ...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Urakasumi Zen
Zen
Urakasumi Zen
This sake was one of the first Junmai Ginjo to be launched in Japan. It was introduced back in 1973....

0.72 Liter (CHF 81.53* / 1 Liter)

CHF 58.70
Urakasumi No.12
No.12
Urakasumi No.12
This Junmai Ginjo is brewed with the sake yeast “No.12”, which was discovered and bred at the URAKAS...

0.72 Liter (CHF 75.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 54.00
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
An exceptionally harmonious Junmai Ginjo intended as an ideal companion for classic Japanese dishes....

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Toko JG Genshu
JG Genshu
Toko JG Genshu
For this Junmai Ginjo, TOKO selects the regional Dewano Sato rice variety from Yamagata, which gives...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70

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.

Skip product gallery
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
Ginjo
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
In Iwate Prefecture, the NANBU BIJIN brewery produces this excellent ginjo sake from Miyama Nishiki ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 58.00* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 17.40
Tip
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
Kirschblüte
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
DEWAZAKURA’s Kirschblüte has been a bestseller since the 1980s and played a significant role in kick...

0.3 Liter (CHF 73.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 22.00
Ninki Sake Barrel
Sake Barrel
Ninki Sake Barrel
This high-quality Ginjo is presented in a traditional sake barrel, wherein its balanced profile and ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 165.67* / 1 Liter)

CHF 49.70

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.

Skip product gallery
Niida Shizenshu Red Label
Shizenshu Red Label
Niida Shizenshu Red Label
NIIDA HONKE follows the principle of “shizenshu” (“natural sake”) and brews “natural sake”. The rice...

0.72 Liter (CHF 53.75* / 1 Liter)

CHF 38.70
Niida 100 Years Kijoshu 2023
100 Years Kijoshu 2023
Niida 100 Years Kijoshu 2023
This unique kijoshu was first produced in 2011 to mark the 300th anniversary of the brewery's foundi...

0.72 Liter (CHF 127.92* / 1 Liter)

CHF 92.10
Niida Shizenshu Kioke
Shizenshu Kioke
Niida Shizenshu Kioke
NIIDA HONKE follows the principle of “Shizenshu” (“natural sake”): the rice is home-grown in organic...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Dry
Junmai Dry
Yamagata Masamune Junmai Dry
This Junmai sake is produced according to the Domaine’s principle: from rice cultivation to the fini...

0.72 Liter (CHF 61.25* / 1 Liter)

CHF 44.10
Tip
Urakasumi Tautropfen
Tautropfen
Urakasumi Tautropfen
A sake for non-sake drinkers and those who like it light. This sake was created in the 2010s at the ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 62.33* / 1 Liter)

CHF 18.70
Urakasumi Junmai
Junmai
Urakasumi Junmai
The quintessential Junmai sake with a mild, harmonious flavor and aromas of green apple, ripe banana...

0.3 Liter (CHF 62.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 18.70
Tip
Tedorigawa u.Tedorigawa
u.Tedorigawa
Tedorigawa u.Tedorigawa
Modern Yamahai-Genshu with a low alcohol content (13%). Aromas of yellow fruits, mango, melon and ba...

0.72 Liter (CHF 64.86* / 1 Liter)

CHF 46.70
Toko Pure Rice
Pure Rice
Toko Pure Rice
Menge: 720ml
This Junmai sake from the snowy Yamagata region creates with its soft, mild, and pure rice flavor, a...

0.72 Liter (CHF 51.94* / 1 Liter)

CHF 37.40

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.

Skip product gallery
Hatsumago Kimoto Tradition
Kimoto Tradition
Hatsumago Kimoto Tradition
This rustic and umami-rich Honjozo, which is brewed using the traditional Kimoto method, was named b...

0.72 Liter (CHF 42.64* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 30.70
Masuizumi Karakuchi
Karakuchi
Masuizumi Karakuchi
This sake is considered the brewmaster's favorite and is ideal for everyday enjoyment. The term “kar...

0.72 Liter (CHF 48.19* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 34.70
Bijofu Honjozo
Honjozo
Bijofu Honjozo
Menge: 720ml
BIJOFU Honjozo is uniquely delicious within our sortiment and represents an outstanding quality-to-p...

0.72 Liter (CHF 51.94* / 1 Liter)

CHF 37.40
Urakasumi Honjozo
Honjozo
Urakasumi Honjozo
This Honjozo is characterized by its fresh aroma and light fruit character. The palate is mild and r...

0.72 Liter (CHF 48.19* / 1 Liter)

CHF 34.70
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
Snow Hut
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
This Honjozo sake is brewed with local rice using the Yamahai method yielding a fine acidity and sub...

0.72 Liter (CHF 51.94* / 1 Liter)

CHF 37.40