Introduction｜Isn’t Japanese Sake Too Complex?

When it comes to Japanese sake, many people say,
“There are so many types, it’s confusing!”

But in reality, sake can be broadly categorized into four types based on aroma and taste weight:

• Kunshu (Fragrant Sake)
• Junshu (Rich Sake)
• Soshhu (Refreshing Sake)
• Jukushu (Aged Sake)

This article clearly explains the characteristics of each type, along with recommended brands, best ways to drink them, and ideal food pairings!

1. Kunshu｜Fragrant and Elegant Sake

Characteristics:
Kunshu is known for its fruity, floral aromas resembling apples, pears, or muscat grapes.
It has a light and refreshing taste, best enjoyed chilled in a wine glass to maximize its aroma.

Popular Brands:

• Dassai Junmai Daiginjo (Yamaguchi)
• Kokuryu Daiginjo (Fukui)
• Jozen Mizuno Gotoshi Junmai Ginjo (Niigata)

How to Drink:

• Best temperature: Chilled (5–15°C)
• Best glass: Wine glass to capture aromas

Best Pairings:

• White fish carpaccio
• Prosciutto and melon
• Fruit-based desserts

2. Junshu｜Rich, Full-Bodied Sake

Characteristics:
Junshu emphasizes the deep umami and richness of rice.
It is often found in pure rice sake (junmai-shu) and is a popular choice for pairing with food.

Popular Brands:

• Hidaka Junmai-shu (Miyagi)
• Tengumai Yamahai Junmai (Ishikawa)
• Shinkame Junmai-shu (Saitama)

How to Drink:

• Best temperature: Room temperature to warm (20–40°C)
• Warming enhances the umami and acidity.

Best Pairings:

• Braised dishes like Nikujaga (meat and potato stew)
• Yakitori (chicken skewers with sauce)
• Butter-sauteed mushrooms

3. Soshhu｜Light and Refreshing Sake

Characteristics:
Soshhu offers a crisp, clean flavor that is easy to drink.
It is often less sweet, with a light mouthfeel, making it perfect even for sake beginners.

Popular Brands:

• Hakkaisan Honjozo (Niigata)
• Dewazakura Ouka Ginjo (Yamagata)
• Tateyama Tokubetsu Honjozo (Toyama)

How to Drink:

• Best temperature: Chilled to room temperature (5–25°C)
• Glass: Small cups or champagne glasses are great

Best Pairings:

• Tofu dishes like chilled tofu
• Salt-grilled sea bream, tempura
• Salads and cold pasta

4. Jukushu｜Deeply Aged, Complex Sake

Characteristics:
Jukushu is matured over a long period, developing deep, complex flavors.
It usually has an amber color and rich aromas reminiscent of caramel, nuts, or dried fruits.

Popular Brands:

• Kikuhime Long-Aged Sake (Ishikawa)
• Kyokko Aged Koshu (Tochigi)
• Tatsu no Otoshigo Aged Junmai (Hyogo)

How to Drink:

• Best temperature: Room temperature to hot (25–50°C)
• Recommended vessels: Ceramic or heavy sake cups

Best Pairings:

• Cheese and dried fruits
• Beef stew, liver pâté
• Nutty dark chocolate desserts

Quick Comparison Chart

Type	Aroma	Flavor	Example	Best Temperature
Kunshu	Fragrant	Light	Ginjo sake	Chilled
Junshu	Mild	Rich, Umami	Junmai sake	Room temp–warm
Soshhu	Subtle	Crisp, Refreshing	Honjozo sake	Chilled–room temp
Jukushu	Aged aromas	Dense, Heavy	Koshu (Aged Sake)	Room temp–hot

Conclusion

Understanding the four sake types—Kunshu, Junshu, Soshhu, and Jukushu—
makes it much easier to imagine the taste just by looking at the label or description.

Choosing sake based on your mood, meal, or preferred temperature will make your sake experience even richer and more enjoyable!

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