I will explain about the types of sake.
Sake is made from rice, koji mold, and water. Rice has the most important role in sake. The rice used for sake brewing is required to have a high moisture content and large, round grains. Yamadanishiki, Gohyakumangoku, and Omachi are typical examples of brewed rice. These cultivars have unique flavors and aromas and are suitable for sake brewing.
Next, I will explain koji mold. Aspergillus oryzae has the role of fermenting alcohol by saccharifying rice starch. The taste and aroma of sake differ greatly depending on the type of koji mold. Typical koji molds include Yamadanishiki yeast, Kamiyama yeast, and Dewakan. Each koji mold has a different aroma and taste, and plays an important role in sake brewing.
Now, let’s take a look at the types of sake.
Pure rice sake
Junmaishu is a type of sake made from only rice and koji mold. For this reason, you can enjoy the taste and aroma of rice with a very simple taste. Junmai sake has three scents: high-grade, medium-grade, and low-grade, and is characterized by its elegant and delicate taste. In addition, you can enjoy a wide range of flavors, from dry to sweet. Junmai sake goes well with food, especially Japanese cuisine.
Ginjo sake
Ginjoshu is sake made using a special yeast. The rice used for sake brewing is required to be polished on the surface to leave the part up to the core, making it easier for the koji mold to penetrate the rice grains. Ginjo sake is fermented slowly at a low temperature to create a unique aroma and taste. In general, it is characterized by a fruitier and softer taste than junmai sake. In addition, it has an elegant aroma and refreshing acidity, is easy to drink, and is popular with women.
Daiginjo sake
Daiginjo sake is of higher quality than ginjo sake and is considered one of the finest sakes. Daiginjo sake is brewed using high-quality rice and carefully selected yeast. Also, in sake brewing, a very high rice polishing rate is required. For this reason, daiginjo sake has a very complex flavor and is characterized by a fruity and soft or spicy and punchy taste. In addition, it has an elegant aroma and rich taste, and is chewy to drink.
The above is an explanation of the basic types of sake. Sake is said to go well with food because of its different types and flavors. Also, sake can have different flavors depending on the climate and topography of the land. Sake is an attractive liquor that allows you to enjoy its various flavors and aromas.
