Saké, discover our selection of sake alcohol

All our Saké & Shōchū

Discover our selection of sake and Shōchū on Excellencerhum. We offer a variety of top-quality brands, such as Dassai, Hoyo, Akashi-Tai, and Kuro Kirishima.

Japanese traditional drinks

Sake is a traditional Japanese rice-based fermented drink, while Shōchū is a Japanese distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes, wheat, or barley. These two alcohols have subtle and complex flavors that pair perfectly with Japanese dishes as well as a variety of international cuisines. Explore our carefully curated selection to experience a unique taste sensation.

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€10.00 - €90.00

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14 % ABV - 38 % ABV

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What Are the Differences Between Saké and Shōchū?

Saké and Shōchū are two highly popular Japanese alcoholic beverages, often associated with each other due to their Asian origins and unique flavors. However, there are significant differences between these two drinks that deserve exploration.

Origin and History of Saké and Shōchū

Saké, also known as nihonshu, is a traditional fermented drink of Japan primarily made from rice. It has been produced for over 1000 years and is considered the "national beverage" of the country. Shōchū, on the other hand, is a distilled liquor that was introduced to Japan around 500 years ago, likely by Chinese or Korean traders. While both beverages originate from Japan, their histories and production processes differ greatly.

Ingredients and Production Method

Saké: Rice Fermentation

The main ingredient of Saké is rice, which needs to be polished to remove the outer layers and leave only the pure starch at the core of the grain. The degree of rice polishing determines the quality and category of the produced Saké. Once the rice has been polished, it is washed and steamed before being fermented with the addition of yeast and koji (a fungus used to convert starch into sugar). The mixture is then left to ferment for a period ranging from 18 days to several months, depending on the type of Saké being produced.

Shōchū: Distillation of Various Ingredients

Shōchū is made from a variety of ingredients, with the most common being barley, rice, sweet potatoes, and sometimes even brown sugar. Unlike Saké, which requires meticulous rice polishing, the ingredients for Shōchū are simply ground and mixed with water before being fermented. Once fermentation is complete, the mixture is distilled to produce a colorless, high-alcohol content liquor.

Alcohol Content and Flavors

Alcohol Content

Alcohol content is also a notable difference between Saké and Shōchū. Generally, Saké has an alcohol content of around 15% to 20%, while Shōchū can range between 25% and 45%. It's important to note that certain types of Saké, such as genshu, can have higher alcohol levels, but they typically remain lower than those of Shōchū.

Flavors and Aromas

Saké offers a narrower range of flavors and aromas compared to Shōchū, due to the rice-based fermentation process. Flavors can vary from fruity to floral, with nuances of sweetness and acidity. Shōchū, thanks to the diversity of its ingredients, offers a much broader flavor palette. For example, a barley-based Shōchū will have earthy and slightly sweet notes, while a sweet potato-based Shōchū will have a more robust and rich flavor.

How to Enjoy Saké and Shōchū

How to Enjoy Saké?

Saké can be served at various temperatures, ranging from cold (around 5°C) to warm (around 50°C), depending on the quality and type of Saké. It is typically served in smallcups called choko or ochoko and is consumed slowly to appreciate the different levels of flavors and aromas. Higher-quality Sakés are often preferred served cold to highlight their complexity and finesse.

  • To enjoy hot Saké, it's recommended to use a Tokkuri (ceramic carafe) and warm it in a hot water bath.
  • Sparkling Sakés also exist, served chilled and consumed in champagne flutes.

Serving and Consuming Shōchū

Shōchū is generally consumed chilled or at room temperature, either neat, mixed with water (Mizuwari), or on the rocks. Higher-quality Shōchū can also be enjoyed warm, similar to Saké. Due to its higher alcohol content and wider range of flavors, Shōchū is often used as a base for cocktails or mixed drinks.

In conclusion, while Saké and Shōchū share some similarities, these two Japanese beverages stand apart due to their production methods, ingredients, alcohol content, and how they are enjoyed. The next time you have the opportunity to savor either of these drinks, take the time to appreciate their unique characteristics and rich cultural heritage.

The Great Sake & Shōchū Brands

At Excellence Rhum, we offer a carefully curated selection of the finest sake and shōchū brands. Explore iconic references, crafted with ancestral Japanese expertise, and let yourself be captivated by refined and authentic flavors:

  • Sōtō, the essence of Japan in a bottle
  • Bijito, the essence of Japanese sake