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
Dassai Beyond
Beyond
Dassai Beyond
This sake is the top product of the world-famous producer, DASSAI, brewed specifically with the goal...

0.72 Liter (CHF 1,277.78* / 1 Liter)

CHF 920.00
Dewazakura Ichiro
Ichiro
Dewazakura Ichiro
DEWAZAKURA Ichiro is, as its name suggests, a serious contender for the best of the best, having won...

0.72 Liter (CHF 127.78* / 1 Liter)

CHF 92.00
Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo
Junmai Daiginjo
Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo
A bold floral bouquet of lily, iris and hyacinth and a taste of fresh berries. A Franco-Japanese com...

0.72 Liter (CHF 145.83* / 1 Liter)

CHF 105.00
Ikekame Turtle Red
Turtle Red
Ikekame Turtle Red
Turtle Red is a classic Junmai Daiginjo with a twist: it's brewed with black koji which produces a h...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Imayo Tsukasa Koi
Koi
Imayo Tsukasa Koi
This Junmai Daiginjo combines elegant bottle design with a complex flavor profile. Inspired by the g...

0.72 Liter (CHF 176.11* / 1 Liter)

CHF 126.80
Katsuyama Den
Den
Katsuyama Den
This elegant Junmai Daiginjo is a masterpiece of the traditional art of sake brewing. Made from extr...

0.72 Liter (CHF 176.11* / 1 Liter)

CHF 126.80
Katsuyama Gen
Gen
Katsuyama Gen
A truly liquid jewel, inspired by the legendary Sauternes, Château d'Yquem. This dessert sake impres...

0.5 Liter (CHF 320.40* / 1 Liter)

CHF 160.20
Katsuyama Diamond
Diamond
Katsuyama Diamond
The “liquid diamond” - a masterpiece made from Yamada Nishiki rice, polished to 35%, from the Specia...

0.72 Liter (CHF 732.36* / 1 Liter)

CHF 527.30

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
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
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
Dragon Blue
Tatsuriki Dragon Blue
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
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
Tip
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

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
Tsuki no Katsura Yanagi
Yanagi
Tsuki no Katsura Yanagi
TSUKI NO KATSURA is one of the oldest breweries in the famous sake district of Fushimi in Kyoto and ...

0.3 Liter (CHF 91.67* / 1 Liter)

CHF 73.00
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
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
Ninki Taru Sake
Taru Sake
Ninki Taru Sake
This Junmai Ginjo is a characterful Taru sake that delights with the refreshing aroma of Japanese Su...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
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
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
Heavensake Junmai Ginjo
Junmai Ginjo
Heavensake 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 66.67* / 1 Liter)

CHF 48.00
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
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
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

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
Daruma Masamune 1989
1989
Daruma Masamune 1989
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 900.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 180.00
Daruma Masamune 2011
2011
Daruma Masamune 2011
Gereifter Koshu Sake mit süßlichen Aromen wie Vanille, Honig und Karamel. Mit seiner zarten Säure er...

0.5 Liter (CHF 114.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 57.00
Daruma Masamune 10 Years
10 Years
Daruma Masamune 10 Years
Amber-colored, Koshu sake cuvée from 5 different vintages of at least 10 years of age. The DARUMA MA...

0.72 Liter (CHF 237.36* / 1 Liter)

CHF 170.90
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
Fukuju Kobe Special
Kobe Special
Fukuju Kobe Special
This Tokubetsu Junmai Sake is brewed in the historic sake village of Nada with the famous "Miyamizu"...

0.72 Liter (CHF 70.42* / 1 Liter)

CHF 50.70
Heavensake Junmai 12
Junmai 12
Heavensake Junmai 12
Light aroma of salted caramel, cocoa, almond and kumquat. Round on the palate, dry to off-dry, pleas...

0.72 Liter (CHF 50.00* / 1 Liter)

CHF 36.00
Hanatomoe 100
100
Hanatomoe 100
This unique Junmai Taru sake is produced in the forests of Yoshino (Nara Prefecture), famous for its...

0.72 Liter (CHF 109.72* / 1 Liter)

CHF 79.00
Ikekame Turtle Black
Turtle Black
Ikekame Turtle Black
IKEKAME’s entry-level Sake, Turtle Black, is a delicious Junmai with plenty of umami character. The ...

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
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
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
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