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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.

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Sawa no hana Pure White
Pure White
Sawa no hana Pure White
Junmai Daiginjo
A sophisticated Junmai Daiginjo with the refreshing aroma of Sauvignon Blanc and elderflowers. "Pure...

0.72 Liter (CHF 101.94* / 1 Liter)

CHF 73.40
Bijofu Mai
Mai
Bijofu Mai
Junmai Daiginjo
Within the Junmai Daiginjo category, BIJOFU Mai offers one of the most outstanding quality-price rat...

0.72 Liter (CHF 79.17* / 1 Liter)

CHF 57.00
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 4
Junmai Daiginjo
IWA 5 Assemblage 4 combines elegance and depth, composed of Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangok...

0.72 Liter (CHF 291.67* / 1 Liter)

CHF 210.00
Urakasumi M
M
Urakasumi M
Junmai Daiginjo
Particularly elegant and extravagant Junmai Daiginjo. This Junmai Daiginjo is characterized by its l...

0.72 Liter (CHF 180.56* / 1 Liter)

CHF 130.00
Urakasumi Hirano
Hirano
Urakasumi Hirano
Junmai Daiginjo, Kimoto/Yamahai
The legendary master brewer Hirano shaped URAKASUMI’s house style for over 60 years. The ensuing ‘Hi...

0.72 Liter (CHF 218.75* / 1 Liter)

CHF 157.50
Tedorigawa Honryu Junmai Daiginjo
Honryu Junmai Daiginjo
Tedorigawa Honryu Junmai Daiginjo
Junmai Daiginjo
This fine and aromatic Junmai Daiginjo is an ideal companion for food. Young master brewer, Yasuyuki...

0.72 Liter (CHF 101.94* / 1 Liter)

CHF 73.40
Toko Schneekönigin
Schneekönigin
Toko Schneekönigin
Junmai Daiginjo
This Junmai Daiginjo is brewed from the Yuki Megami (Snow Queen) rice variety from Yamagata Prefectu...

0.72 Liter (CHF 155.56* / 1 Liter)

CHF 112.00
Tatsuriki Akitsu Grand Cru
Akitsu Grand Cru
Tatsuriki Akitsu Grand Cru
Junmai Daiginjo
Die Tatsuriki Brauerei machte sich auf die Suche nach der allerbesten Yamada Nishiki Reisqualität, u...

0.72 Liter (CHF 625.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 450.00

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.

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

0.72 Liter (CHF 69.44* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.00
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
Dragon Blue
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
Daiginjo
A Daiginjo of exceptional finesse, brewed from Yamada Nishiki rice from the renowned rice fields in ...

0.72 Liter (CHF 136.25* / 1 Liter)

CHF 98.10
Fukuju Kobe Gold
Kobe Gold
Fukuju Kobe Gold
Daiginjo
An elegant and smooth Daiginjo sake brewed with exquisite Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 147.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 92.10
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
Hizoshu 5 Years
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
Daiginjo, Koshu / Aged Sake
An exceptional, super-premium sake matured at 0°C for over 5 years. This careful ageing brings out e...

0.75 Liter (CHF 166.67* / 1 Liter)

CHF 125.00

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.

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Amabuki Strawberry Blossom
Strawberry Blossom
Amabuki Strawberry Blossom
Junmai Ginjo, Nama (Namazake)
Amabuki Strawberry Blossom is unique in two distinct ways: it is brewed with yeasts cultivated from ...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Heavensake Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
Heavensake Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
The first thing to notice of this Junmai Ginjo are the delicate floral notes and a hint of citrus. F...

0.72 Liter (CHF 104.17* / 1 Liter)

CHF 75.00
Katsuyama Ken
Ken
Katsuyama Ken
Junmai Ginjo
IWC Champion Sake 2019 and Kura Master Platinum - an exceptional Junmai Ginjo with Junmai Daiginjo q...

0.72 Liter (CHF 96.39* / 1 Liter)

CHF 69.40
Ninki Sparkling J-Ginjo
Sparkling J-Ginjo
Ninki Sparkling J-Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo, Sparkling Sake
Ninki Sparkling is one of our best-selling sparkling sakes and impresses with its fine perlage, whic...

0.3 Liter (CHF 58.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 17.40
Toko JG Genshu
JG Genshu
Toko JG Genshu
Genshu, Junmai Ginjo
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
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Shukon Junmai Ginjo
Tedorigawa Shukon Junmai Ginjo
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
Urakasumi Zen
Zen
Urakasumi Zen
Junmai Ginjo
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
Junmai Ginjo
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

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.

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

0.3 Liter (CHF 193.33* / 1 Liter)

CHF 58.00
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
Kirschblüte
Dewazakura Kirschblüte
Ginjo
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
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
Ginjo
Nanbu Bijin Ginjo
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 19.15

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.

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Shichiken Sparkling Starlight
Sparkling Starlight
Shichiken Sparkling Starlight
Junmai, Sparkling Sake
Trockener, degorgierter, flaschenvergorener Sparkling Sake mit feinen, fruchtigen Ginjo-Aromen. Hier...

0.72 Liter (CHF 183.33* / 1 Liter)

CHF 132.00
Shichiken Sparkling Hakushu
Sparkling Hakushu
Shichiken Sparkling Hakushu
Junmai, Sparkling Sake
The base of this exclusive sparkling sake matures in whisky barrels from Suntory Hakushu. On the one...

0.72 Liter (CHF 347.22* / 1 Liter)

CHF 250.00
Daruma Masamune 2019
2019
Daruma Masamune 2019
Junmai, Koshu / Aged Sake
Gereifter Koshu Sake mit süßlichen Aromen wie Vanille, Honig und Karamel. Mit seiner zarten Säure er...

0.5 Liter (CHF 110.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 55.00
Nanbu Bijin All Koji 2023
All Koji 2023
Nanbu Bijin All Koji 2023
Junmai
As the name suggests, NANBU BIJIN's All Koji is brewed from 100% koji rice. It is characterised by a...

0.5 Liter (CHF 110.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 55.00
Niida 100 Years Kijoshu 2024
100 Years Kijoshu 2024
Niida 100 Years Kijoshu 2024
Junmai, Kijoshu (double fermented)
This unique kijoshu was first produced in 2011 to mark the 300th anniversary of the brewery's foundi...

0.72 Liter (CHF 126.53* / 1 Liter)

CHF 91.10
Daruma Masamune 1989
1989
Daruma Masamune 1989
Junmai, Koshu / Aged Sake
1989 was a year of great events in both Germany and Japan, marking the fall of the Berlin Wall and t...

0.2 Liter (CHF 1,200.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 240.00
Amabuki Marigold
Marigold
Amabuki Marigold
Kimoto/Yamahai
Amabuki Marigold is a rich Junmai Sake brewed using the traditional Yamahai method, resulting in a c...

0.18 Liter (CHF 50.00* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 13.40
Yuki no Bosha Yamahai Black
Yamahai Black
Yuki no Bosha Yamahai Black
Junmai, Kimoto/Yamahai
This elegant Yamahai sake is like a good, old friend: it will accompany you through an entire dinner...

0.18 Liter (CHF 66.67* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 10.00

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.

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

0.72 Liter (CHF 47.22* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 34.00
Masuizumi Karakuchi
Karakuchi
Masuizumi Karakuchi
Honjozo
This sake is considered the brewmaster's favorite and is ideal for everyday enjoyment. The term “kar...

0.72 Liter (CHF 56.94* / 1 Liter)

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

0.72 Liter (CHF 58.33* / 1 Liter)

CHF 42.00
Urakasumi Honjozo
Honjozo
Urakasumi Honjozo
Honjozo
This Honjozo is characterized by its fresh aroma and light fruit character. The palate is mild and r...

0.72 Liter (CHF 52.78* / 1 Liter)

CHF 38.00
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
Snow Hut
Yuki no Bosha Snow Hut
Honjozo, Kimoto/Yamahai
This Honjozo sake is brewed with local rice using the Yamahai method yielding a fine acidity and sub...

0.72 Liter (CHF 55.56* / 1 Liter)

CHF 40.00