infographic of junmai infographic of junmai

Junmai : SAKETIMES GLOSSARY

Junmai (noun)
[Junmai]
Japanese characters: 純米 (純: pure; 米: rice)

1. Pure and simple
“Junmai” or “Junmai-shu” refers to sake that is made solely from rice, koji rice, and water – the only ingredients that are truly essential in order to brew sake.

2. No need to polish
Unlike other special designations applied to various sake grades (ginjo, daiginjo, honjozo), junmai has no “polishing rate” or “milling rate” requirement. Its designation is derived solely from its ingredient list, as outlined above.

3. The cool kid in class
Production and consumption of sake has been decreasing steadily since 1973, however sake categorized as junmai has seen a small, but steady increase since 2010. The number of breweries transitioning to producing only junmai sake have been gradually increasing in recent years, as well as the number of bars, restaurants, and izakaya dedicated to junmai.

Learn More>> What is Junmai? Ginjo? Special designated grades – The key to pinpointing particular sakes –
Learn More>> 60 Minute Sake Tasting for 2000 Yen! Junmai Specialty Shop Yata

RELATED ARTICLES

Comments

Notes:
Comments such as the following are prohibited and will be subject to deletion at the discretion of editors.
- Content that is biased toward a specific ideology, such as certain political or religious views.
- Content that slanders or otherwise defames a specific brand, store, or service.
- Content that suggests or implies limitations or restrictions on the way drinkers can enjoy sake, such as "This is one true way to properly enjoy sake!"
- Other content of a negative or unfavorable nature that inhibits the widespread enjoyment of sake by a diverse audience.
Respect each other and enjoy sake communication!