About Junmai Daiginjo Sake

About Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Junmai Daiginjo’s have at least 50% of the outer hull milled away. Some high end Junmai Daiginjo’s actually get down to 65% of the hull removed. How much of the outer hull of the rice kernel is a major determinant of the final quality of the saké. The more of the hull that’s removed the higher the quality of the saké and generally the price of it as well. The term "Junmai" literally translates into “pure rice”. This is the older, more traditional method of brewing sake. Junmai Daiginjo saké can only contain four ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji.

Pair these sakes with sushi, fusion cuisine or even scallops or pork chops.

Top Picks for Junmai Daiginjo Sake

Asahi Shuzo Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake
97 points
$92
Asahi Shuzo
Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake
White gold color. Attractive, sour aromas of bitter melon, yuzu shrub, white balsamic drizzled pineapple, and mirin with a satiny, crisp, fruity light body and a graceful, engaging, medium-length exotic salt, almost-ripe strawberry, starfruit cream, and jicama finish. A silky and very appetizing sake that will be best with lighter fish varieties.
97 points $92
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SakéOne Naginata Junmai Daiginjo Sake
94 points
$60
SakéOne
Naginata Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Aromas of papaya, pickled mango, allspice, shiso, and creme caramel with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, layered, long tamarind chutney, lime, and yogurt finish. A fruity, vibrant and outgoing Sake that will pair very well with spicy, tropical dishes.
Awards: 2020 Best Sake
94 points $60
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Hakutsuru Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo Sake
94 points
$27
Hakutsuru
Sho-Une Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Straw color. Aromas of ripe melon, shiso, grapefruit zest, pear, rainwater, elderflower, caraway, and star anise with a velvety, lively, fruity full body and a layered, long apricot and teriyaki finish. A pure and balanced sake that is a delight to sip and savor; excellent for sushi and crisp summer salads.
94 points $27
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Date Tasted:
Hananomai Katana Junmai Daiginjo Sake
93 points
$35
Hananomai
Katana Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Savory aromas of baked apple and hint of worcestershire sauce with a silky, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a polished, interesting, medium-length flint, anise, crystalized ginger and lemon peel, and white tea with cream finish. An ethereal falsetto of a Junmai Daiginjo.
93 points $35
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Asahi Shuzo Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake
92 points
Asahi Shuzo
Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Emerald straw color. Aromas of orange marmalade, pineapple, triple cream cheese, candied ginger, lychee, and rice cakes with a round, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long yeasty dinner rolls, salted cultured butter, golden kiwi, and strawberry finish. A rich Junmai Daiginjo with silky texture and lengthy flavors; pair with fine meals.
92 points
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SOTO Super Premium Junmai Daiginjo Sake
92 points
$39.99
SOTO
Super Premium Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Silvery straw color. Aromas of marinated mushrooms and prosciutto wrapped melon with a round, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, intricate, long savory green tea, strawberry in whipped cream, clove, and licorice finish. An exceptionally balanced and appetizing Sake with rich flavors and excellent pairability.
92 points $39.99
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Hatsumago Shozui Junmai Diaginjo
92 points
$40
Hatsumago
Shozui Junmai Diaginjo
Emerald straw color. Aromas of asian pear, butter poached starfruit, aged cheeses, and spiced toffee with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a layered, medium-length béchamel, mint creme, and shitake mushroom finish. A creamy, concentrated Junmai Daiginjo that offers elegance, strength, and longevity.
92 points $40
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Tohoku Meijo Hatsumago Junmai Daiginjo Shozui Sake
92 points
$50
Tohoku Meijo
Hatsumago Junmai Daiginjo Shozui Sake
Brilliant silvery emerald straw color. Spicy aromas of apple-cinnamon yogurt, baking spices, mulberry, fresh cut grass, clove studded orange peel, and soy glazed walnuts with a round, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, nuanced, long key lime cheesecake, buttered brioche, and green peppercorn finish. An excellent Daiginjo with endless complexities and fine structure.
92 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Yaegaki Mu Black Label Junmai Daiginjo Sake
91 points
$50
Yaegaki
Mu Black Label Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Clear silvery straw color. Umami aromas of taro custard, sunflower oil, pickled plum, and chinese 5 spice with a silky, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, long white tea, lime spritzed honeydew, and strawberry yogurt finish. A mouthwatering Daiginjo that craves fatty fish or rich sauces.
91 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Roga Junmai Daiginjo
89 points
$18
Roga
Junmai Daiginjo
White gold color. Aromas and flavors of pine nut brittle, honeycrisp apples, dried pineapple, hints of soy, and musk with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish with accents of beurre blanc, clove, and horchata finish. A table-ready Junmai Daiginjo with a full body and grippy texture.
89 points $18
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