Guide to Junmai Daiginjo & Daiginjo sake

Browse (junmai) daiginjo in our sake shop

Both junmai daiginjo and daiginjo are made with highly polished rice from which at least 50% of the outer layer of the grain has been removed (reminder of sake classifications). It accounts for the top 3% of all sake produced, and represents the pinnacle of the brewers’ craft.

FRAGRANCE & FLAVOUR

Building on the wonderful fruity and floral scents you get with (junmai) ginjo sake, at this level (the zenith of sake brewing), the brewer is aiming for delicate sophistication and nuanced, layered flavours. One of the real joys of the (junmai) daiginjo category is sitting back, taking your time and discovering a new fragrance or flavour with each raise of the glass: bliss!

Junmai daiginjo (made without added alcohol) is generally deeper in flavour with a slightly more muted nose than its daiginjo counterpart, which tends to emphasis the fruity notes and produces a lighter, more nuanced sake.

JUNMAI DAIGINJO SAKES AVAILABLE IN OUR SAKE SHOP
Pearl – a silky & elegant, finely sparkling sake	Black Face – flavourful & exciting	Rare Brew – clear, dry & refreshing
Tatenokawa 50 “Stream” – fruity, expressive & crisp	Tatenokawa 33 “Brook” – elegant & expressive fruit flavours	Tatenokawa 18 “Spring” – ultra premium, superbly fruity

DAIGINJO SAKES AVAILABLE IN OUR SAKE SHOP
Snow Blossom – fresh & zesty fruit salad	White Dragon – smooth sipping umami fruits	Special White Dragon – sweet, complex & fragrant
Konishi Gold – fruity aroma with light flavour; for wine lovers

DRINKING TEMPERATURE

Both daiginjo and junmai daiginjo are best drunk cold. Their delicate flavours and scents become unbalanced and overwhelming if allowed to warm.

FOOD PAIRING

Due to their delicate and nuanced characteristics, (junmai) daiginjo can be fabulous enjoyed on their own, perhaps to unwind at the end of the day or before a meal as an apéritif.

There are, however, some that have enough acidity & structure – such as Hayashi Honten’s Black Face – to go superbly with clean tasting, oilier dishes such as fatty sashimi/sushi or paté. Yamatogawa Shuzo’s Snow Blossom has slightly more alcohol and so will work similarly.  White Dragon goes especially well with creamy flavours (e.g. mayonnaise), deep fried foods and a bit of chilli!