What is Junmai

There are 3 different types of sake, based on the ingredients.

(1) 純米 (Junmai) : rice, koji (moulding rice), water
(2) 本醸造 (Hon-jozo) : rice, koji, water, spirits
(3) 普通酒 (normal sake) : rice, koji, water, spirits, sugars and acids

So, Junmai is made from rice (and water). Junmai means 100% rice.

Junmai is the original style of sake. Normal sake are from 1930s. Hon-jozo is from 1970s. However, Junmai makes up only 10% of the total production.

At Sakenet Australia we only stock Junmai. We believe Junmai is the best and we also want to support the breweries that produce fine Junmai Sake. We will discuss this point further in coming posts...