Decode Any Sake Bottle
Sake labels pack considerable information into a small space—much of it in Japanese characters. Learning to read these labels empowers you to make informed choices without relying solely on recommendations. From the critical rice polishing ratio to the sweetness indicator (SMV), each detail reveals something about what's inside the bottle.
Key Label Information
The rice polishing ratio (精米歩合, seimai-buai) shows how much rice remains after milling—lower percentages mean more refined sake. The Sake Meter Value (日本酒度, SMV) indicates sweetness: positive numbers trend dry, negative numbers sweet. Acidity (酸度) affects mouthfeel and food pairing potential. Look for grade designations: 純米 (Junmai), 吟醸 (Ginjo), 大吟醸 (Daiginjo). Special terms like 生 (Nama/unpasteurized), 原酒 (Genshu/undiluted), or 山廃 (Yamahai) indicate production methods that affect flavor significantly.
Shop with Confidence
Our detailed product descriptions translate all essential label information, so you know exactly what you're getting. Each listing explains the rice variety, polishing ratio, flavor profile, and recommended serving temperature. Whether you're building label-reading skills or seeking specific characteristics, we make your selection process simple.
Ready to Read Labels?
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