If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of sake. But did you know that there are different types of sake available? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the various types of sake and what makes them unique.
What is Sake?
Before we dive into the different types of sake, let’s first define what sake is. Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice. It is often referred to as rice wine, although the production process is more similar to beer than wine.
Sake is brewed using rice, water, yeast, and koji. Koji is a type of mold that converts the rice starches into fermentable sugars. The resulting liquid is then fermented, filtered, and bottled. The alcohol content of sake ranges from 15% to 20%.
Different Types of Sake
- Junmai – Junmai is a pure rice sake that is made only with rice, water, yeast, and koji. This type of sake has a rich, full-bodied flavor and is perfect for pairing with hearty dishes like grilled meats and stews.
- Honjozo – Honjozo is a sake that has been fortified with a small amount of distilled alcohol. This addition of alcohol gives honjozo a lighter, more delicate flavor than junmai sake. Honjozo sake is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with sushi and sashimi.
- Ginjo – Ginjo sake is a premium sake that has been brewed using highly polished rice. The rice is polished to at least 60% of its original size, resulting in a clean, smooth flavor. Ginjo sake is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with seafood and salads.
- Daiginjo – Daiginjo is the highest quality sake available. It is brewed using rice that has been polished to at least 50% of its original size. This results in a sake that is incredibly smooth and has a delicate, fruity flavor. Daiginjo sake is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with light dishes like steamed vegetables and fish.
Conclusion
Sake is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you prefer a full-bodied junmai or a delicate daiginjo, there is a sake out there for you. So the next time you’re out at a Japanese restaurant, why not try something new and explore the world of sake?