Kevin JohnsonSake is a traditional Japanese rice wine known for its unique flavors. All sakes brewed in and outside Japan share several fermentation and rice polishing ratio techniques. Ancient and modern sake brewing methods deliver different flavor profiles. Consider this factor when choosing the best sake for your taste buds. For example, sakes with a smooth finish, light sweet notes, and fruity aromas are easy to drink and perfect for beginners. Sour traditional sakes with complex flavors and earthy or savory tastes appeal to refined drinkers. Some iconic names in the sake business include Dassai, Hakutsuru, Suigei, and Kubota. But which are the best sake brands?
Here is an in-depth analysis of the 15 best sake brands:
1. Dassai
Dassai is a world-famous sake brand based in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture. Asahi Shuzo Brewery launched Dassai to offer premium sakes with a light, fruity taste, and delicate aroma, perfect for Western drinkers. Its high-end Junmai Daiginjo is polished to at least a 50% rice polishing ratio.
Image source: Asahi Shuzo
Dassai offers Dassai Beyond, 23 Centrifuge, Dassai 23, and Dassai 45. Each line provides exclusive Junmai Daiginjo in small, high-quality batches. In 2023, Chairman Sakurai opened a state-of-the-art brewing facility in New York to produce the new Dassai Blue. Dassai Blue launched in 2024 and released the Dassai Blue 23, 35, 50, and Nigori Sparkling sakes. Asahi Shuzo will leverage the Dassai Blue brand to brew higher-end products than its Japanese sakes. [1]
Pros: Dassai produces high-quality Junmai Daiginjo, with over 50% rice polishing ratio. Its fruity flavor and delicate aroma are palatable for Western drinkers. Dassai and Dassai Blue sakes reflect the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Cons: Dassai only produces high-quality Junmai Daiginjo. Its top-end sakes are expensive. However, you can find affordable Dassai sakes for around $20.
Price Range: $20-$550
2. Hakutsuru
Hakutsuru is a historic sake house founded in 1743 by Jihei Kano. This leading Japanese sake brand serves consumers in over 55 countries and regions. In Jul 2024, the brewer released the Atagonomatsu Junmai Daiginjo. This seasonal sake is made with Hakutsurunishiki rice, combining Yamadaho and Wataribune No.2 rice. [2]
Image source: Hakutsuru Sake
Pros: Hakutsuru has about 280 years of sake-making experience. The brand sold its first glass bottle in 1878 and showcased its bottled sake at the World’s Fair in Paris in 1900. Its 11 breweries are committed to refining their brewing techniques and improving the sake flavor. For example, the taste of the new Atagonomatsu Junmai Daiginjo Hakutsurunishiki sake develops slowly after opening the bottle. It is perfect for restaurants and consumers who enjoy their drinks over long periods.
Cons: Hakutsuru uses locally sourced rice and spring water with flavorful mineral qualities. Most Hakutsuru sakes are perfect for seasoned drinkers with refined taste, not beginners.
Price Range: $12-$38
3. Gekkeikan
Gekkeikan is a pioneer in the art of sake craftsmanship. This brand was founded in 1637 in Kyoto, Japan, and trademarked its name in 1905. However, the company rebranded in the 1940s and switched to its original Gekkeikan name for its 350th anniversary. In Jan 2024, Gekkeikan launched its new official global website. You can use the platform to explore the brand’s timeless classics, new releases, and rich heritage. [3]
Image source: Gekkeikan
Pros: Gekkeikan has over 386 years of sake-making experience. The brand is rooted in Kyoto’s centuries-old sake-brewing tradition and is committed to quality and innovation. Its classical Japanese sakes are known for their purity, balance, and craftsmanship. The brewer offers affordable sake options.
Cons: Gekkeikan produces its sake traditionally and with no preservatives and sulfites. It is perfect for seasoned drinkers who prefer traditional sakes. Some Gekkeikan drinks may not satisfy beginners seeking modern sakes.
Price Range: $6.49-$22
4. Hakkaisan
Hakkaisan is a sake brewery based in Niigata Prefecture at the base of Mount Hakkai. The brand uses fresh water from melting snow and house-made koji rice to craft its signature sake. In Nov 2023, Hakkaisan partnered with Brooklyn Kura to establish a brewery in New York. The plant will use rice like Yamada Nishiki from California and Arkansas to brew high-quality drinks for Americans. [4]
Image source: Hakkaisan
Pros: Hakkaisan blends local ingredients to deliver an authentic sake-sipping experience. The brand produces balanced, clean, dry sake with a smooth texture, an elegant umami flavor, and a crisp finish. You can pair this sake with food and consume it chilled or warm.
Cons: Hakkaisan sake targets mid-market consumers. The brand doesn’t offer cheap options. Its high-end sake costs over $80 per bottle.
Price Range: $25-$95
5. Kubota
Kubota is an Asahi Shuzo sake brand founded in 1830. The 193-year-old brand produces its sakes in a 270-year-old brewery between Maruoka Castle, the Hakusan Mountains, and the Takeda River. This location intrinsically ties Kubota’s sake-brewing philosophy to the region’s four seasons: spring’s cherry blossoms, summer’s fireflies, autumn’s vibrant red maple trees, and winter’s gentle snow blankets. [5]
Image source: Asahi Shuzo
Pros: Kubota has refined its sake-brewing traditions for over 193 years. The brand brews its sake from Niigata’s high-quality rice and uses an in-house koji-making machine to guarantee quality and consistency. Its brewery offers over 10 regular sakes and several seasonal bottles, which pair perfectly with a wide range of plates.
Cons: Kubota is a high-end sake brand. Its drinks cost more than the market’s average price. You’ll pay over $100 for Kubota’s limited edition seasonal sakes.
Price Range: $28-$165
6. Sōtō
Sōtō is a North American sake brand founded in 2015 and brewed in Niigata, Japan. It is known for its signature black and white bottles with minimalistic designs. In Apr 2024, the premium sake released a new limited-edition series, Sōtō X YAMAGATA MASAMUNE Omachi Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo. You can buy this exclusive drink to join Sōtō and Yamagata in celebrating Japanese Grand Cru breweries. [6]
Image source: Sōtō Sake
Pros: Sōtō strikes a balance between traditions and modernity. The brand applies traditional sake-making practices and modern minimalist bottle design and labeling. Its all-natural sake is gluten-free and vegan, with no added sugars, preservatives, or sulfites.
Cons: Sōtō is a premium sake brand. Its top-end products can be pricey. However, you can buy Sōtō sake in bundles to cut costs.
Price Range: $20-$568
7. Fukuju
Fukuju is famous for its high-quality sake. The brand was founded in 1751 in Nada, Kobe, by the 300-year-old Kobe Shushinkan brewer. The brewery adopted a forward-looking approach to tackle new challenges, like climate change and water pollution. In 2022, Fukuju became the first sake producer to achieve Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality. Its EcoZero initiative reduced energy usage by limiting the days spent brewing and polishing the rice.
Image source: Fukuju
Pros: Fukuju is an eco-conscious and innovative brand famous for its Junmai Ginjo sake. For example, this 13th-generation producer uses hi-tech remote sensors and drones to assess plant health and dispense fertilizers on rice fields. Its new Junmai Ginjo Kanna was produced using this technology. These sustainability-focused initiatives helped the brand win several categories at Japan’s EcoPro Awards and the drinks business Green Awards. [7]
Cons: Fukuju combines generations of expertise with modern technology to deliver premium sakes. Its drinks can be pricey.
Price Range: $28-$162
8. Nanbu Bijin
Nanbu Bijin is a Ninohe-based sake brand owned by Kosuke Kuji, a fifth-generation brewer. The founder leveraged certifications like Kosher and Vegan to build a thriving sake business. In Mar 2024, Nanbu Bijin won top honors at the 29th Catad’or World Wine Awards. Its Shinpaku Junmai Daiginjo took the Best Sake award, and the Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai earned Grand Gold. [8]
Image source: Nanbu Bijin
Pros: Nanbu Bijin produces award-winning sakes known for their balance and flavor. The brand has 120 years of sake-making experience. It offers affordable options.
Cons: Nanbu Bijin’s sakes don’t offer many leftover notes. However, it’s one of the best sake brands for beginners.
Price Range: $9-$34
9. Roga Sake
Roga is a premium California-brewed craft sake brand founded by Yaegaki Corporation of the USA. Yaegaki launched in 1666 and started producing sake in Vernon, California, in 1999 under Roga. Roga means an adventurous traveler looking for new discoveries far from home. In May 2024, Roga sake was used for the toast at a luncheon hosted by US VP Harris and Sec. Blinken to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Kishida. [9]
Image source: Roga Sake
Pros: Roga is a second-generation sake label established to deliver Yaegaki’s over 350 years of sake brewing experience to the US. The brand is a pioneer in the US sake industry and seeks to introduce high-quality domestic sake for all American enthusiasts.
Cons: Most American-brewed sakes aren’t as complex as Japanese-made versions. Roga has limited variety. You can buy Roga Junmai or Roga Junmai Daiginjo
Price Range: $15.59-$18.99
10. Suigei
Suigei is a sake brewery in Kochi Prefecture, founded in 1872. The brand is dubbed the Drunken Whale, referring to Japanese alcohol-loving feudal lord Geikai Suiko. You can visit the Kochi facility to explore Suigei’s party culture, long history, and sake-brewing processes. Several distributors offer Suigei sake on Amazon. [10]
Image source: Suigei Shuzo Store
Pros: Suigei has retained its sake-making traditions for over 150 years. The brand produces tasty brews that pair nicely with foods. Its sake quality has remained unchanged for over 100 years.
Cons: Suigei’s top-end sakes are expensive. However, you can find affordable options like the Tokubetsu Junmai for around $25.
Price Range: $19-$194
11. Yamatogawa
Yamatogawa is a Kitakata sake brewer found in 1790. The brand is known for its 230-year-old sake-making traditions introduced during Japan’s Edo Era. As of Apr 2024, Yamatogawa had 89 solar and small-scale hydroelectric power stations across Fukushima Prefecture. The brewery adopted local energy production to attain energy self-sufficiency after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake paralyzed the Fukushima nuclear power plant and disrupted business operations across the region. [11]
Image source: Yauemon Brewery
Pros: Yamatogawa offers tradition-steeped sake styles. The brand combines 230-year-old techniques and technological advancements to produce high-quality drinks. Its sakes pair nicely with savory foods and snacks.
Cons: Yamatogawa’s traditional sakes may not satisfy beginners seeking modern drinks.
Price Range: $10-$54
12. Ozeki
Ozeki is one of Japan’s oldest breweries, founded in 1711 by Chobee Osakaya as Manryo. The Nada, Hyogo-based brewery renamed its flagship sake to Ozeki in 1884 to honor hard-working and skilled sumo wrestlers. In 1932, the brand released Cold Ozeki to be drunk cold. This sake set Ozeki on the map as more households acquired in-home refrigeration. In 1979, Ozeki was the first Japanese brewery to produce fresh sake in the US using high-quality California rice. [12]
Pros: Ozeki is an innovative brand with over 300 years of experience. The brewery offers affordable sakes, including Ozeki Karatamba, Yamadanishiki, Osakaya Chobei, and Judan Jikomi. Each has a unique flavor profile. For example, Ozeki Karatamba is perfect for drinkers seeking a clean, dry palate like a crisp lager.
Cons: Ozeki sakes in the US are not produced in Japan. However, the brand applies its 300-year-old sake-brewing traditions to deliver high-quality drinks.
Price Range: $10-$28
13. Sho Chiku Bai
Sho Chiku Bai is a Berkeley, California-based sake brand. Its parent company, Takara Sake USA Inc., was founded in 1983 as the American branch of Japan’s Takara Sake. Sho Chiku Bai drinks manufactured in the US or Japan use the label: “Licensed by Takara Japan since 1851.” However, all Sho Chiku Bai sakes are produced using Takara Sake’s over 180-year-old brewing traditions. [13]
Image source: Takara Sake
Pros: Sho Chiku Bai is an affordable sake brand. It combines fresh snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, rice from the Sacramento Valley, and Japanese sake-brewing methods. This sake-making process delivers high-quality Sho Chiku Bai sake.
Cons: Sho Chiku Bai and Takara Sake USA were recently sued for presenting US-made drinks as imported Japanese sakes. Check the bottle labels to find the best Sho Chiku Bai sake for your taste buds.
Price Range: $6-$24
14. Nihonsakari
Nihonsakari is a sake producer founded in 1889 in Nada, Hyogo Prefecture. Its top-selling drinks include the Fuga Junmai Daiginjo and Yuzu Junmai. You can buy the Nihonsakari Yuzu Sake if you enjoy refined umami, moderate sweetness, and a delightfully rounded harmony.
Image source: Nihonsakari
Pros: Nihonsakari is committed to its quality-first policy. The brand has refined its brewing method for over 130 years to deliver high-quality sake with unique flavor and aroma.
Cons: Nihonsakari’s top-end sakes are pricey. They cost around $90 per bottle. However, you can find affordable Nihonsakari sakes for $18.
Price Range: $18-$91
15. Daishichi
Daishichi is a sake brewer founded in 1752 by Saburoemon Ohta from a samurai family. The brand specializes in the kimoto brewing method. In Jan 2024, the Daishichi Brewery was featured on the Travel+Leisure Best Breweries to Visit in Japan’s Fukushima Sake Capital. Travel+Leisure recognized the brand’s centuries-old kimoto method of mashing the sake starter with long poles to coax out a deep umami. [14]
Image source: Daishichi
Pros: Daishichi makes rich, mellow sake using the old-school kimoto brewing method. Its drinks have unique notes, including sushi rice, honeysuckle, green apple, and chalk candy.
Cons: Daishichi offers dry, sour, and effervescent nigori sakes. These drinks are perfect for seasoned drinkers, not beginners.
Price Range: $30-$450
References & more information
- Markarian, T. (2024, Aug 6). Dassai Blue Sake Brewery Arrives in New York. Tippsy Sake
- Niizawa Staff (2024, Jul 16). Limited product: Atagonomatsu Junmai Daiginjo Hakutsurunishiki. Niizawa Brewery
- Gekkeikan Sake Company, Ltd. (2024, Jan 18). Gekkeikan Unveils New Official Website. Gekkeikan.com
- Reuters (2023, Nov 12). Hakkaisan and New York brewer to produce U.S.-based sake by 2024. Japan Times
- Sake World (2024, Apr 25). Kubota Brewery: A sake brewery with a history of 270 years. SakeWorld.jp
- Sōtō (2023, Apr 14). Sōtō Sake Announces Collaboration Series with Japan Breweries. Food Engineering Magazine
- Huband, M. (2024, Jan 9). Kobe Shushinkan looks to a green future in sake production. The Drinks Business
- Solutions & Resources (2024, Mar 13). Nanbu Bijin Brewery: Celebrating Global Sake Triumph! LAMTC
- Yaegaki Corporation of USA (2024, May 10). Roga Sake was used for a toast at the luncheon hosted by Secretary Blinken and VP Harris in honor of Japanese PM Kishida. WFXR TV
- SSA Staff (2022, Jul 13). Brewery Spotlight: Suigei Shuzo. Sake School of America
- Margherita, B. (2024, Apr 26). Brewing Sustainably Sourced Sake: What Is Happening in the Sake Production in Japan? Guidable.com
- Lamb, A. (2024, Jan 18). Ozeki Sake: History, bottles, and where to buy. Tippsy Sake
- Gennaro, M. (2023, Jun 13). Judge refuses to toss a sake drinker’s false advertising case. Courthouse News
- La Carmina, S. (2024, Jan 28). Fukushima Is Japan’s Capital of Sake — Here Are the Best Breweries to Visit. Yahoo
- Featured Image by Leio McLaren
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