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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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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 39
39
Dassai 39
This sake was named after its low polishing rate and is a distinctly aromatic and juicy Junmai Daigi...

0.3 Liter (CHF 129.00* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 38.70
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
Masuizumi Junmai Daiginjo Special
Junmai Daiginjo Special
Masuizumi Junmai Daiginjo Special
This exceptional Junmai Daiginjo is a vintage sake that has been perfected in used Burgundy barrique...

0.72 Liter (CHF 176.11* / 1 Liter)

CHF 126.80
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

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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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
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 356.11* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 64.10
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

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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Rihaku Wandering Poet
Wandering Poet
Rihaku Wandering Poet
A renowned Junmai Ginjo sake from Shimane Prefecture which was named after the legendary Chinese poe...

0.3 Liter (CHF 71.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 21.40
Fukuju Kobe Classic
Kobe Classic
Fukuju Kobe Classic
This Junmai Ginjo is brewed in the historic sake village of Nada (Hyogo Prefecture) with the famous ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 71.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 21.40
Dewazakura Blüte des Nordens
Blüte des Nordens
Dewazakura Blüte des Nordens
DEWAZAKURA Blüte des Nordens thoroughly represents the Yamagata region where it comes from, where th...

0.3 Liter (CHF 73.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 22.00
Shichiken Velvet
Velvet
Shichiken Velvet
As its name suggests, this is an elegant, velvety sake. Showing aromas of green apple, pears, mandar...

0.3 Liter (CHF 66.67* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 20.00
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
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

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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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
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.

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Fukuju Awasaki Sparkling
Awasaki Sparkling
Fukuju Awasaki Sparkling
A mild, bottle-fermented sparkling sake with a light perlage - perhaps the perfect aperitif. The use...

0.3 Liter (CHF 66.67* / 1 Liter)

CHF 20.00
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
Amabuki Rosé
Rosé
Amabuki Rosé
Amabuki Rosé impresses with its wine-like character and its enchanting pink color, brought about by ...

0.18 Liter (CHF 88.89* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 16.00
Rihaku Dreamy Clouds
Dreamy Clouds
Rihaku Dreamy Clouds
Behind the white mist appears a pure rice flavor. This “usu nigori” (lightly cloudy) sake has been g...

0.3 Liter (CHF 66.67* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 20.00
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
Shichiken Sparkling Blue Sky
Sparkling Blue Sky
Shichiken Sparkling Blue Sky
A combination of modern and traditional sake brewing techniques creates a diverse spectrum of flavor...

0.36 Liter (CHF 122.50* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 44.10
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 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

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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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
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
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
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