What is Junmai Sake? How to Choose at a Specialty Store
Junmai sake is made from only rice, koji and water, with no added brewing alcohol. You can fully enjoy the umami and depth of the rice across a wide range of temperatures, from chilled to warmed. At Nishizawa, the owner tastes and selects the junmai sake we carry.
Choose by flavor type
Light & dry (tanrei-karakuchi)
Crisp and clean. Great with sashimi and lightly salted dishes. Best served chilled.
Rich & savory (noujun-umakuchi)
Full of rice umami. Pairs with simmered, richly flavored dishes. Opens up when gently warmed.
Ginjo style
Fragrant and light. Lovely as an aperitif or for a toast. Serve well chilled.
Sake that shines when warmed
The umami expands as it warms. Perfect for a cozy drink in the colder months.
How do you best enjoy junmai sake?
- Chilled / room temperature: honest rice umami; versatile with food.
- Warmed (nuru-kan, around 40°C): umami and roundness open up; great with Japanese cuisine.
- Hot (atsu-kan): crisp and tight; ideal on cold days or with rich dishes.
Junmai Sake — Breweries & Signature Labels
Our lineup changes with the season and availability. Please ask us in store or by phone for details.
Tohoku
- Kawamura ShuzotenIwateSuiemon
- Monden JozoMiyagiKawaguchi Natto
- Haneda ShuzoYamagataUzen Shiraume
Kanto
- Tsukinoi ShuzotenIbarakiTsukinoi
- Shinkame ShuzoSaitamaShinkame, Bongu, Hikomago
- Kawanishiya ShuzotenKanagawaTanzawasan
- Oyatakashi ShuzoKanagawaZarusou Horai, Shoryu Horai
Chubu
- Chochin ShuzoAichiChochin
Kinki
- Moriki ShuzojoMieRumiko no Sake
- Takahashi ShuzoMieTenyurin
- Mukai ShuzoKyotoKyo no Haru, Ine Mankai
- Akishika ShuzoOsakaAkishika
- Kubohonke ShuzoNaraSuiryu, Kimoto no Dobu
- Shimomura ShuzotenHyogoOkuharima
- TajimeHyogoChikusen
Chugoku
- Suwa ShuzoTottoriSuwaizumi
- Yamane ShuzojoTottoriHiokizakura
- Kuwabara SakabaShimaneFusozuru
Find your favorite junmai sake, in store.
Tell us your preferred flavor and we will help you choose the perfect bottle.