Saké 101

Saké is a Japanese brewed beverage made from four key ingredients: rice, water, koji and yeast. Koji helps convert the starch in rice into fermentable sugar, while yeast turns that sugar into alcohol.

The result is a remarkably versatile drink with flavours ranging from light and floral to rich, savoury and umami-forward.

Learn more about saké below, and watch an informational video from Saké Samurai, Patrick at Blue Note Sake for more details.

Discover Your Style Find Food Pairings How to Serve Saké

A Few Things to Know About Saké

Not Rice Wine
Saké is brewed more like beer, but enjoyed in many of the same ways as wine.

Koji Magic
Koji is essential to saké brewing. It helps unlock the starch in rice and plays an important role in creating saké’s flavour and texture.

Temperature Changes Flavour
The same bottle can taste brighter and more aromatic when chilled, or rounder and richer when gently warmed.

It’s All About Umami
Saké is naturally rich in umami, giving it a savoury character that makes it incredibly versatile with food.

Fresh Is Best
Unlike wine, saké generally isn’t made to be aged after purchase. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh and store it properly.

Relax, It’s Saké
There are guidelines, but no need to overthink it. Try different styles, temperatures and food pairings to discover what you enjoy.

Find Your Saké Style

Saké comes in a range of styles, from light and floral to rich and savoury. Use the guide below to find a style that matches your taste, your meal or the occasion.

Discover More

Rich, full-bodied & savoury 

Junmai is a great choice when you’re looking for a saké with depth. It’s typically rice-forward, full-bodied and rich in savoury umami, making it especially well suited to hearty foods and bold flavours.

Try it with: Grilled meats, richer dishes, mushrooms, miso-based dishes and roast turkey.

Serve it: Chilled, at room temperature or gently warmed. Warmer temperatures can bring out its rounder, richer character.

You might like it if: You enjoy full-bodied wines or savoury, umami-rich flavours.

Light, fragrant & refreshing

Ginjo is known for its fragrant, clean character and often has subtle fruit and floral notes. It’s a lighter style that works beautifully when you want something fresh and delicate.

Try it with: Sushi, sashimi, seafood, salads and other lighter dishes.

Serve it: Chilled to highlight its fresh aromas and delicate flavours.

You might like it if: You prefer crisp, aromatic drinks with a lighter texture.

Fragrant, polished & versatile

Junmai Ginjo brings together the rice-driven depth of Junmai with the fragrant, polished character of Ginjo. The result is a balanced style with both freshness and texture.

Try it with: Sushi, poultry, vegetables, lightly seasoned seafood and a wide range of dinner dishes.

Serve it: Chilled or lightly cool.

You might like it if: You’re new to saké and want a versatile style that works with both delicate and savoury foods.

Elegant, aromatic & refined

Dai-ginjo is an elegant, highly polished style known for its delicate aromas and refined character. It’s a great choice when you want to slow down and savour the saké on its own or pair it with delicate foods.

Try it with: White fish, shellfish, delicate seafood and premium appetizers.

Serve it: Well chilled to chilled.

You might like it if: You enjoy delicate, aromatic drinks and want something special for entertaining or celebrating.

Junmai Dai-ginjo combines pure-rice depth with the refined, aromatic character of Dai-ginjo. Expect an elegant style with floral lift, depth and a clean finish.

Try it with: Sushi, scallops, mild cheeses, refined dishes and special-occasion meals.

Serve it: Chilled.

You might like it if: You’re looking for an elegant bottle to enjoy slowly, serve with a special meal or give as a gift.

Clean, smooth & easy-drinking

Honjozo is a clean and approachable style that works easily across different meals. Its smooth character and versatility make it a great option for everyday drinking and food pairing.

Try it with: Grilled chicken, tempura, izakaya-style snacks and everyday meals.

Serve it: Chilled, at room temperature or warm.

You might like it if: You want an easy-drinking saké that can move from casual meals to more savoury dishes

Cloudy, creamy & lightly sweet

Nigori stands out for its cloudy appearance, creamy texture and gentle sweetness. It’s a softer, more approachable style that can be especially fun to explore alongside bold or spicy flavours.

Try it with: Spicy foods, fruit-forward dishes and desserts.

Serve it: Chilled.

You might like it if: You enjoy a softer texture, gentle sweetness or something a little different.

Find Your Saké

Explore our selection in-store or shop online for pick up or delivery.