Sake and shochu

Japanese beverages are rather popular, just like their cuisine. Thus, it's only natural for people to want to taste both, especially when you can compare a meal with a nice drink. But what options to choose?

This article explores two popular liquors: Japanese sake and shochu. You'll learn about each product, how to drink them, and more. 

Sake and Shochu – What's the Difference?

Sake and shochu are two traditional Japanese liquors with different production methods and alcohol strengths. Sake is a rice-based fermented beverage. Shochu is a distilled spirit made from ingredients like barley, sweet potato, or rice. 

Thus, because of these distinctions, sake has lower alcohol content and is generally lighter. It can be as light as beer, although some versions may contain more alcohol, up to 20% (Genjo type specifically). Shochu is considered strong alcohol which is also drier.

Sake goes through fermentation similar to beer, while shochu has a distillation process that slightly resembles the one for whiskey. So, naturally, they'll taste completely differently. 

Types of Sake

Sake classification depends on rice polishing ratio, brewing process, and flavor. Each type has a unique aroma and is slightly sweet. These are the most common types:

• Junmai. Brewers make it only from rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. It has a full-bodied flavor with rich umami notes.
• Honjozo. It contains a small amount of distilled alcohol that adds smoothness. The flavor is light with a mild fragrance.
• Ginjo. Brewers polish rice to at least 60% and ferment at lower temperatures. It has fruity and floral aromas with a refined taste.
• Daiginjo. It uses highly polished rice at 50% or less. The result is a delicate and elegant drink with complex aromas.
• Nigori. This unfiltered sake has a milky color and sweet taste. It's ideal for those who prefer richer textures.

There's also Choya sake, which is considered a type of wine. It's made of rice, koji yeast, and water from the Nara region. As a result, the wine is sweet, but more of a fruity taste, not sugary. Thus, each option suits different dishes and preferences. You can taste several  from casual meals to refined dinners.

How to Drink Sake and Shochu

Proper serving improves the flavor of the sake drink and shochu. You need the right temperature and pairing to highlight the taste:

• Drink sake warm or chilled. Light types like Ginjo taste best chilled, while richer types like Junmai suit warm serving.
• Sip shochu neat or with water. Shochu's strong taste benefits from dilution. 
• Pair with food. Sake complements sushi and tempura, while shochu pairs well with grilled or spicy dishes.
• Use proper cups. Serve sake in small ceramic cups called ochoko, and shochu in short glasses.

Correct drinking methods guarantee that you get the maximum of the spirit's real taste. The right temperature and serving style are crucial to get the traditional experience.

How to Choose Sake

You should check the sake rice polishing ratio, aroma, and other aspects. These are the factors to consider:

• A lower polishing ratio means higher purity.
• Select dry sake for savory dishes, while sweeter ones for desserts.
• Try small bottles first to understand what options you prefer.

Your choice also depends on what strength of alcohol you prefer. Moreover, many people who are into whiskey often prefer shochu. 

Why Buy Sake and Shochu at Punin Wine

There are many sellers of shochu and sake, but it's important to purchase from the ones that work with official distributors that provide authentic products. Punin Wine is one such shop, and here's why you should shop here:

• Top quality of sake and shochu.
• Different premium brands and manufacturers.
• Many other types of liquor.
• Easy ordering process.
• Fast delivery.

The shop is available as a website and a mobile app. So, you can download and install it for a more convenient experience.