Discover the Depths of Japanese Sake with ICHI-GO-CAN

Japanese sake is a traditional alcoholic beverage born in Japan. With its wide variety and complex flavours, choosing the right one can be a challenge. But if you’re going to try Japanese sake, why not learn a bit more and find the perfect one for you?

Why is Daiginjo Sake So Delicious?

The most well-known type of sake is Daiginjo. But why is Daiginjo so delicious? Let's solve this mystery. The terms "Daiginjo" and "Junmai" are specific names given to certain types of sake, known as "Tokutei Meishoshu" (special designation sake), categorized by their brewing methods. The two key points are the ingredients and the rice polishing ratio.

Ingredients of Sake

Sake is made from rice and water, which are the staple foods of the Japanese. Some types of sake also include brewing alcohol. Sake made solely from rice and water is labelled "Junmai."

Using Only the Best Parts of the Rice

When making sake, the outer layers of the rice are polished away. The closer to the core, the better the quality. The degree of polishing determines the grade: "Ginjo" for 40% polished away, "Daiginjo" for over 50%. Typically, about 30% is polished away for regular sake.

Representative Types of Sake

There are six main types of Tokutei Meishoshu:

• Honjozo-shu: Contains brewing alcohol; 30% of the rice polished away.
• Ginjo-shu: Contains brewing alcohol; 40% of the rice polished away.
• Daiginjo-shu: Contains brewing alcohol; over 50% of the rice polished away.
• Junmai-shu: No brewing alcohol; 30% of the rice polished away.
• Junmai Ginjo-shu: No brewing alcohol; 40% of the rice polished away.
• Junmai Daiginjo-shu: No brewing alcohol; over 50% of the rice polished away.

Flavour Characteristics of Sake

Now that you know the types of sake, what are their flavour characteristics? Generally, the brewing method provides some clues:

• Honjozo-shu: Low aroma, light taste.
• Ginjo and Daiginjo-shu: High aroma, light taste.
• Junmai-shu: Low aroma, rich and full-bodied taste. Preferences for aroma and taste vary, so use this information to find the sake you enjoy.

Still Not Sure What to Choose?

 Even with this knowledge, many people still may not know which sake to choose. Here’s some good news for you.

We offer a product that allows you to enjoy a selection of Japanese sake in a convenient 180 ml size! Our ICHI-GO-CAN series features 15 varieties from across Japan, perfect for sake beginners or anyone looking to try new types.

Features of ICHI-GO-CAN

The 180 ml containers allow you to enjoy fresh sake each time. Ideal for parties, you can offer a wide variety of sakes to your guests. The lightweight, durable aluminium cans are about 1/10th the weight of bottles, making them easy to carry to picnics or outdoor events.

The ICHI-GO-CAN series is perfect for sampling sake, gifting to someone special, enjoying a luxurious drink at home, or serving at large events.

In Conclusion

This blog introduced the characteristics of Japanese sake. If you find buying a full bottle daunting, the ICHI-GO-CAN series makes it easy to try different sakes. Challenge yourself and explore the deep flavours of Japanese sake!