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Junmai:
Junmai is pure rice
saké. Nothing is used in its production except rice, water, yeast, and
koji (that magical mold that converts the starch in the rice into
fermentable sugars). Junmai is brewed WITHOUT any addition of distilled
alcohol. Generally a bit heavier and fuller in flavor than other types
of Saké, with slightly higher acidity. Goes well with a wide range of
food. Must have seimaibuai of at least 70%, meaning the outer 30%
of each rice grain has been polished away.
Tokubetsu Junmai:
Tokubetsu means
"special". Any saké labeled Tokubetsu has been brewed in some
special way. In some cases, this may mean a 60% or 50% seimaibuai, or
it may mean the saké was fermented at lower temperatures or made with
very special saké rice. Tokubetsu Junmai is generally a bit more
fragrant and refined than regular Junmai.
Junmai Ginjo:
Indicates a special and painstaking brewing process wherein fermentation proceeds at lower
temperatures and for longer periods, and pressing is often done by hand.
This extra effort produces a saké that is layered and complex, light
and fragrant. Must have a seimaibuai of at least 60%.
Junmai Daiginjo:
Even a more painstaking
brewing process than Ginjo, which results in saké that is even lighter
and more fragrant and fruity than a typical Ginjo. Must have a seimaibuai
of at least 50%. Often, Daiginjo goes as far as a 35% seimaibuai
(65% of the kernel polished away!). |