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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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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
Urakasumi M
M
Urakasumi M
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
Katsuyama DATE SEVEN
DATE SEVEN
Katsuyama DATE SEVEN
DATE SEVEN is an exclusive Junmai Daiginjo brewed jointly by seven renowned sake breweries from Miya...

0.72 Liter (CHF 106.94* / 1 Liter)

CHF 77.00
Tatsuriki Akitsu Grand Cru
Akitsu Grand Cru
Tatsuriki Akitsu Grand Cru
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
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 3
IWA 5 Assemblage 3
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 3
Richard Geoffroy, Chef de Cave at Dom Pérignon Champagne and current founder and creator of IWA 5, c...

0.72 Liter (CHF 248.61* / 1 Liter)

CHF 179.00
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA IWA 5 Assemblage 4
IWA 5 Assemblage 4 combines elegance and depth, composed of Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangok...

0.72 Liter (CHF 248.61* / 1 Liter)

CHF 179.00
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
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 88.89* / 1 Liter)

From CHF 16.00
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
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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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
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
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
Amabuki Strawberry Blossom
Strawberry Blossom
Amabuki Strawberry Blossom
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
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
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

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
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
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

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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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
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
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.

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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
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
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
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