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  3. 10 Best Sake UK 2022 | Gekkeikan, Choya and More
  • 10 Best Sake UK 2022 | Gekkeikan, Choya and More 1
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  • 10 Best Sake UK 2022 | Gekkeikan, Choya and More 3
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10 Best Sake UK 2022 | Gekkeikan, Choya and More

Have you ever tried sake, or nihonshu? A rice-based wine that has been brewed in Japan for over 1000 years, it’s becoming increasingly popular here in the UK thanks to its sweet and delicate flavour. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a milder alcoholic taste, as most sake only contains between 14% and 16% alcohol.

For those who are beginners when it comes to sake, we’ve provided a guide to the basics such as the brewing process and the most popular types that you can find in the UK. Then, we’ve listed some of our favourite products to buy at Amazon, eBay, and Japan Centre. Get ready to discover your new favourite drink, which will perfectly complement a sushi and sashimi dinner!
Last updated 20/07/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Sake in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose a Type of Sake According to Your Taste and Alcohol Preferences
  2. Search for Sake With at Least 55% Polishing Rate for Better Flavour
  3. Identify SMV Value to Determine Dryness (+10) or Sweetness (-10)
  4. Opt for Sparkling Sake If You Want Lower Alcohol Content
  5. Try Fruit Flavored Sake If You Enjoy Sweet Drinks

① There Are Four Main Types of Sake Available in the UK: Try Ginjo-Shu for a Premium Sake, or Junmai-Shu for a Savoury Taste

There Are Four Main Types of Sake Available in the UK: Try Ginjo-Shu for a Premium Sake, or Junmai-Shu for a Savoury Taste

Choose Junmai-Shu or Junmai Daiginjo-Shu Sake for a Pure Rice Wine With an Umami Falvour

Although there are many different varieties of sake for sale in Japan, there’s a much smaller range available to buy here in the UK. The four main types that you’re most likely to come across are junmai-shu (純米酒), junmai daiginjo-shu (純米大吟醸酒), honjozo-shu (本醸造酒), and ginjo-shu (吟醸酒).

Junmai-shu and junmai daiginjo-shu sake have no added alcohol - they're made with only rice, water, and kome-koji. As a result, they're considered pure rice wines with a more umami (savoury) flavour than an alcohol-based sake. However, junmai daiginjo-shu differs slightly from junmai-shu because it contains rice grains that are milled to 50% or less of their original size - this means it's a premium quality sake.



Honjozo-Shu Sake Has Added Alcohol, Making It a Great Choice if You Like Drinks With a Kick

Honjozo-shu sake contains rice that has been polished to 70% or less of its original size, and the weight of the alcohol added to it must be less than 10% of the weight of the rice used in the brewing process. As honjozo-shu doesn’t have a high alcohol content, it has a smooth taste similar to that of junmai-shu sake - just with slightly more of a kick!

Ginjo-Shu Is a Premium Sake That’s a Top Choice for Enthusiasts and Special Occasions

Ginjo-shu is made from a small amount of distilled brewer’s alcohol and rice which is polished to 60% or less of its original size. As it involves much longer milling and fermenting processes, it’s considered a premium type of sake. This premium status, as well as its light and fruity aroma, make it a good choice for sake enthusiasts or special occasions.


While you're here, why not explore a range of the best Japanese Whiskies and Japanese Plum Wines?

② Look For Sake With a Polishing Rate Above 55% For a Cleaner and More Refined Flavour

Look For Sake With a Polishing Rate Above 55% For a Cleaner and More Refined Flavour
The quality and flavour of sake both depend on how polished the rice is - the outer husk of rice can actually create an undesirable taste if it isn’t milled down. If you buy a more expensive sake, it’s likely that extra polishing took place during its production, giving the final product a cleaner and more refined flavour.

Most sake products will therefore state the rice polishing ratio in the form of a percentage, which indicates how much of the husk has been polished away; the percentage shown on the bottle will state the amount of rice remaining unpolished. Go for a lower percentage if you want a top-quality, great-tasting sake.


These are the polishing requirements for Junmai sake without added brewer's alcohol:

  • For Junmai: No minimum rice polishing rate, but at least 15% polished Koji Rice
  • For Tokubetsu Junmai: 60% minimum rice polishing, at least 15% Koji Rice
  • For Junmai Ginjo: 60% minimum rice polishing, at least 15% Koji Rice
  • For Junmai Daiginjo: 50% minimum rice polishing, at least 15% Koji Rice

③ Check the Sake Meter Value to Determine the Sweetness : -10 Is Very Sweet, +10 Is Exceptionally Dry

Check the Sake Meter Value to Determine the Sweetness : -10 Is Very Sweet, +10 Is Exceptionally Dry
You may notice an SMV (Sake Meter Value) number on some bottles of sake - this handy number describes how sweet or dry the flavour is. The scale ranges from minus numbers (very sweet) to positive numbers (very dry), measuring both the amount of sugar and its density in the beverage.

For example, a sake of -10 would be super sweet, whereas one that's +10 would be incredibly dry. The SMV number is therefore something useful to look out for when assessing which kind of sake will suit your taste buds.

④ Sake Usually Contains No More Than 14%-16% ABV : Opt For a Sparkling Sake for a Lower Alcohol Content Around 5 - 8%

Sake Usually Contains No More Than 14%-16% ABV : Opt For a Sparkling Sake for a Lower Alcohol Content Around 5 - 8%

Now, let's discuss the alcohol content of sake. As we mentioned earlier, this type of tipple is actually pretty mild and usually contains no more than 14%-16% alcohol. If you prefer something with an even lower alcohol percentage, try a sparkling variety of sake. Naturally subtle and sweet, sparkling sake typically contains 5-8% of booze. It makes a fantastic substitute for champagne when celebrating a special occasion!

⑤ Consider Fruit Flavoured Sake With Peach if You Like Sweet Drinks, or Yuzu for Tart Citrus Flavours

Consider Fruit Flavoured Sake With Peach if You Like Sweet Drinks, or Yuzu for Tart Citrus Flavours
Whilst many people prefer the natural, pure rice taste of sake, you might also enjoy a flavoured alternative. Peach is popular in Japan - there's even a legendary hero in Japanese folklore named Momotarō, AKA "Peach Boy"! Sake infused with peach extract will taste delicate yet sweet, and even slightly creamy. It‘s the perfect drink to enjoy as dessert after a savoury meal or simply on its own as a Friday night treat!
Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit that looks similar to a lemon, but flavour-wise it's like a mix between a grapefruit and an orange. Tangy without being too sharp, it'll deliver a real kick to your tastebuds! If you’re looking for a sake that’s more refreshing than sweet, why not try this zesty option? It's the ideal accompaniment to meat and seafood dishes.

Check out an upcoming favourite: Japanese shochu.

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1. There Are Four Main Types of Sake Available in the UK: Try Ginjo-Shu for a Premium Sake, or Junmai-Shu for a Savoury Taste

Here are the best Sake, ranked according to the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 16-01-2023). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Products
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Key features
1

Gekkeikan

Horin Junmai Daiginjo Sake

Gekkeikan  Horin Junmai Daiginjo Sake 1枚目

A Luxurious Yet Affordable Introduction to Sake

2

Gekkeikan

Kome To Mizu No Sake Junmai Sake

Gekkeikan Kome To Mizu No Sake Junmai Sake 1枚目

Pure Sake With Fruity Aroma and Refreshing Aftertaste

3

Choya

Smooth and Dry Sake

Choya Smooth and Dry Sake 1枚目

Choya Junmai-Shu Made With GM-Free Rice From Nara

4

Ozeki

Hana Awaka Sparkling Flower Sake

Ozeki Hana Awaka Sparkling Flower Sake 1枚目

A Sweet and Refreshing Sparkling Sake

5

Premium Junmai Sake

Ozeki

Premium Junmai Sake Ozeki 1枚目

Well-Balanced Every Day Sake

6

Shochikubai

Shirakabegura Mio Sparkling Sake

Shochikubai  Shirakabegura Mio Sparkling Sake 1枚目

A Low-Alcohol Option With a Smooth Taste

7

Akashi-Tai

Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake

Akashi-Tai Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake 1枚目

Premium Sake from a 4th Generation Brewery

8

Bizen Maboroshi

Junmai Ginjo Sake

Bizen Maboroshi Junmai Ginjo Sake 1枚目

Floral Ginjo-Shu Sake in Presentation Box for Gifting and Events

9

Kubota

Senju Authentic Japanese Sake

Kubota  Senju Authentic Japanese Sake 1枚目

Mild Sake Made With Water From a Niigata Shrine

10

Hakutsuru

Junmai Nigori Sayuri Sake

Hakutsuru  Junmai Nigori Sayuri Sake 1枚目

Mild Yet Refreshing Unfiltered Sake

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No.1

Gekkeikan Horin Junmai Daiginjo Sake

Horin Junmai Daiginjo Sake Image 1
Source:japancentre.com
Reference price
£14.65

A Luxurious Yet Affordable Introduction to Sake

This exquisite junmai daiginjo by Gekkeikan consists of fresh spring water blended with two different types of premium sake rice. With hints of cantaloupe, honeydew, honeysuckle, and pear, it's fruity but delicate in flavour.


An SMV of +2 means this drink is dry and medium-bodied, so it goes well with light dishes such as summer salads or fresh fruit. Despite the high-quality ingredients, luxurious taste, and fancy-looking bottle, this product is incredibly affordable. If you're looking for the perfect introduction to sake, you've found it!

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No.2

GekkeikanKome To Mizu No Sake Junmai Sake

Reference price
£12.55

Pure Sake With Fruity Aroma and Refreshing Aftertaste

This Junmai-shu is made from carefully selected koshihikari rice that is excellent for making sake, paired with fresh spring waters to produce a light, well-balanced sake. It boasts a mellow, full-bodied flavour, with a fruity aroma and a refreshing aftertaste.


The stylish blue bottle is meant to attract people who have never tried sake before, but it's also a preferred choice for seasoned sake drinkers. Kome To Mizu can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or cold. It's also great for sake cocktails and infusions.

No.3

ChoyaSmooth and Dry SakePack of 6

Smooth and Dry Sake Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£67.74

Choya Junmai-Shu Made With GM-Free Rice From Nara

This mellow sake by Choya is made with certified GM-free rice from the Nara region of Japan. Fermented at a low temperature, it has a delectable rice-centric aroma that’s not too overwhelming if you're new to this type of tipple.

This sake tastes great straight, especially alongside traditional Japanese cuisine like sushi, but it can also be used as a mixer for cocktails. Plus, the size of the bottle means that this is definitely a cost-effective choice if you plan to indulge in a glass of sake regularly!
No.4

OzekiHana Awaka Sparkling Flower Sake

Reference price
£8.65

A Sweet and Refreshing Sparkling Sake

Looking for a refreshing, low-alcohol drink? This award-winning sake by Ozeki is known for its light, sparkling taste with just the right amount of bubbles. It has a mild natural sweetness and acidity, due to being made with only rice and kome-koji in the fermenting process.


Experience the true flavour of rice with this sake. Fizzy, tangy, and fun, it is best served chilled. This mini bottle of sake is ideal for a picnic with pals on a sunny day or a boozy brunch at home - just add ice and enjoy!

No.5

Premium Junmai SakeOzeki

Well-Balanced Every Day Sake

Ozeki Premium Junmai is one of the three sakes brewed by Ozeki for the first time in California, US in 1979. It became the house warm sake served in Japanese restaurants in the US for over 40 years.


This junmai-shu is full-bodied and dry with earthy notes. Well-balanced and versatile, it's perfect as an everyday sake and a great introductory sake. Enjoy it at room temperature, warm during the cold months, or served on ice in a cocktail.

No.6

Shochikubai Shirakabegura Mio Sparkling Sake

Shirakabegura Mio Sparkling Sake Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.50

A Low-Alcohol Option With a Smooth Taste

Elegant and super sweet, this low-alcohol option by Shochikubai is a real treat for the tastebuds. It's lightly carbonated but still tastes wonderfully smooth. Plus, how pretty is the floral design on the bright blue bottle?


There's a strong aroma of Muscat grapes and fruit, resulting in a soft sweetness and a clean, crisp taste. Unfortunately though, this sake tastes best on its own, so you'll have to bring out a different bottle if you want to wow your dinner guests! 

No.7

Akashi-TaiTokubetsu Honjozo Sake

Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.00

Premium Sake from a 4th Generation Brewery

The Akashi Sake Brewery is a 4th generation family-run brewery that has been making sake for more than 150 years. This Honjozo-shu is an excellent introduction into Akashi-Tai's connoisseur sake range.


It is a delicate and complex sake with a creamy mouthfeel and tropical fruit aromas created from Gohyakumangoku rice that has been processed down to 60% of its original size. What you get is a light and elegant sake with fruity notes. Enjoy slightly chilled or at room temperature in a wine or sake glass.

No.8

Bizen MaboroshiJunmai Ginjo Sake

Junmai Ginjo Sake Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£36.96

Floral Ginjo-Shu Sake in Presentation Box for Gifting and Events

Made with top-quality Bizen Omachi rice, this smooth ginjo-shu sake by Bizen Maboroshi tastes amazing. Floral notes combine with sweet melon and Asian pear to create a rich, mouth-watering drink.

While this is one of our more expensive recommendations, the quality of the ingredients used make it well worth the price. Furthermore, the beautiful packaging of the bottle (including a matching box) make this sake perfect for giving as a gift.
No.9

Kubota Senju Authentic Japanese Sake

Senju Authentic Japanese Sake Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£37.50

Mild Sake Made With Water From a Niigata Shrine

Produced in Niigata prefecture, this delicately flavoured sake is the flagship product in the Kubota range. Made with water from a sacred local shrine, it has a clear and elegant taste with just a hint of spice.

We particularly love the striking calligraphy on the packaging - it'd look fab on your kitchen side or as the centrepiece of your dinner table. However, it’s an expensive product that might not be as appealing to sake newcomers as some of the cheaper items on our list.
No.10

Hakutsuru Junmai Nigori Sayuri Sake

Junmai Nigori Sayuri Sake Image 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.00

Mild Yet Refreshing Unfiltered Sake

This bottle of Sayuri nigori sake will show you how elegant junmai sake can be when it is unfiltered. It is made using natural spring water from Mount Rokko, and then coarsely filtered through a mesh to keep the sake's aroma, natural sweetness, and smooth aftertaste as they are.

What you get is a light, smooth, and slightly sweet sake with a hint of creaminess due to the coarse filtering process. If you want a mild and refreshing sake, this is the one for you. This sake is best paired with Yakitori or Sukiyaki, as well as Western cuisine.

Sake Is an Alcoholic Drink Made From Fermented Rice

Sake Is an Alcoholic Drink Made From Fermented Rice
Like wine and beer, sake is made through the process of fermentation. The main ingredients are water, rice, and kome-koji, which is the mould that grows on the rice during the process. More expensive sake is made with higher quality rice, whereas lower-priced sake is typically made with cooking rice.

The rice is firstly polished, removing the husk, before being washed, steamed, and cooled down again. Then the kome-koji is added, which breaks down the rice’s enzymes into sugars and allows it to become fermented. The resulting liquid is filtered and pasteurised, usually more than once, until it becomes what we know as sake.

How to Serve Sake

How to Serve Sake
Depending on the time of year and the quality of the alcohol, sake can be served at different temperatures. It is also important to note that opened bottles of sake will lose its flavour quickly in a warm environment, so make sure you refrigerate it or finish it within a few weeks.

During colder months, hot sake will warm you right up! However, heating up top-quality sake will cause it to lose its flavour. So, whilst you can drink junmai-shu and honjozo-shu sake at any temperature, ginjo-shu is best enjoyed chilled or at a lower temperature.

Written and researched by Nicola McClements

Top 5 Sake

No. 1: Gekkeikan | Horin Junmai Daiginjo Sake

No. 2: Gekkeikan | Kome To Mizu No Sake Junmai Sake

No. 3: Choya | Smooth and Dry Sake | Pack of 6

No. 4: Ozeki | Hana Awaka Sparkling Flower Sake

No. 5: Premium Junmai Sake | Ozeki

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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