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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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sawa no hana Pure White
Pure White
Sawa no hana Pure White
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

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
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
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
Hizoshu 5 Years
Kirin Hizoshu 5 Years
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
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
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 23.56
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)

CHF 92.10

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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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
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
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.

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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
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
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 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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Niida 100 Years Kijoshu 2024
100 Years Kijoshu 2024
Niida 100 Years Kijoshu 2024
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
Kirin Vintage 2024
Vintage 2024
Kirin Vintage 2024
A rich sake with great aging potential, yet delightful when young. Brewed with the Yamahai method, i...

0.72 Liter (CHF 89.03* / 1 Liter)

CHF 64.10
Nanbu Bijin All Koji 2024
All Koji 2024
Nanbu Bijin All Koji 2024
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
Bijofu Junmai
Junmai
Bijofu Junmai
Highly aromatic and fresh, Bijofu Junmai is a modern Sake fit for every occasion. Its brewing proces...

0.72 Liter (CHF 55.56* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 37.40
Yuki no Bosha Yamahai Black
Yamahai Black
Yuki no Bosha Yamahai Black
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
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 58.33* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 17.50
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
Shichiken Sparkling Dry
Sparkling Dry
Shichiken Sparkling Dry
Dry, bottle-fermented sparkling sake with a robust but elegant perlage. It appears naturally cloudy ...

0.36 Liter (CHF 81.67* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 29.40

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.

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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 55.56* / 1 Liter)

CHF 40.00
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 55.56* / 1 Liter)

CHF 40.00
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 47.22* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 34.00
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 56.94* / 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 52.78* / 1 Liter)

CHF 38.00