Kohei Nito

Learn Sake

When poured into a glass, sake appears clear and transparent. This pristine look has been prized since the Manyo era (the 7th–8th century, the time of Japan’s oldest poetry anthology Manyoshu), when it was referred to as sumizake (“clear sake”) and valued as a mark of quality.  Although sake is made from nothing more than water, rice, rice koji and yeast, before it is finished it looks more like a thick rice porridge. So why is the sake we drink transparent? And how does it differ from those that have a faint greenish tint or a light cloudiness, such as origarami sake?  In this article, we’ll walk through the process of how sake transforms from the moromi mash into the beautifully clear drink we enjoy today.

Why Sake Looks Clear: Learning the Process from Pressing to Bottling

Sake Street Editorial Team

Toshi

Rice, which is the raw ingredient for sake, contains starch. While starch is the source of sugar, it in itself does not contain any sugar. Therefore, another ingredient, koji, is indispensable for sake brewing, allowing the production of alcohol from rice.

Koji, the main character in sake brewing! The process and how it gives sake its qualities

Are you familiar with "kijoshu"? A type of Japanese sake, it can be increasingly spotted on restaurant menus or lining the shelves of liquor stores. Kijoshu* is a sake with a rich sweetness and elegance. Thick yet sophisticated, it offers an allure to be enjoyed different from generic sake. Here, we will see the definition and history of kijoshu, how it is processed, and the characteristics of its taste. At the end we also have some ideas for pairing which we hope will get you started.

Rich sweet dessert sake!  Learn about the manufacturing method and tastes of "kijoshu"

Nobuyuki Kubota

Most people know that sake is made from rice and water but what about the actual process? When you know how sake is made, you will be able to better enjoy it as you have an increased appreciation for the various methods to get it to taste the way it does. The exact process of brewing sake differs from brewery to brewery but I will illustrate here the general process.

How is Japanese sake made?

Within sake making, there is the step of making "shubo". As the adage "First koji, then moto, and lastly tsukuri" highlights, the second most important element of sake making is this "moto" which is just another name for shubo or yeast starter. Depending on the type of shubo, the process is slightly different, each giving the resulting sake a unique taste and aroma which we will explore.

Demystifying the shubo in sake

Sake & Health

Often heard that they don’t drink sake because it makes them fat. It is true that Japanese sake is sweeter compared to other alcohol and perhaps the fact that it is made from rice gives it this image. But is this really the case? For us who drink nothing but sake, this is a crucial matter and definitely worth investigating.

Is it true that Japanese sake makes you fat?

Ever seen the words 'polishing ratio xx %' written on a sake bottle? The polishing ratio greatly affects the taste and aroma of sake. It also affects whether you are permitted to call the sake certain names such as 'Junmai Daiginjo' and 'Ginjo'. By understanding the polishing ratio, you will be able to better understand the sake that you choose, so let's take a look!

What is the "Polishing Ratio" often seen on Japanese Sake?

One unique characteristic of Japanese sake compared to wine or beer is that it can be enjoyed at a wider range of temperatures. Changing the temperature even slightly can alter the aroma and taste, and therefore the same sake can be joined in multiple ways depending on your mood! At the same time, if you have it at the wrong temperature it can also ruin the sake, killing the very features that make it! Here I will be sharing with you how sake changes at different temperatures as well as how to select a suitable temperature according to the type of sake.

Hot or cold? The perfect temperature for your sake

What are the ingredients of sake? What would be your answer to the question? Many might wonder what else than rice? Or, those who are extremely knowledgeable might wonder how much detail they should include. In this article, we cover what ingredients constitute sake.