Junmai literally translates into “pure rice”. This is the older, more traditional method of brewing sake. Junmai saké can only contain four ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji with no added alcohol. Junmai sakés will be richer and fuller bodied than the other major type, Honjozo saké. Until recently, at least a 30% rice polish (70% remaining) was required for this definition, but that has now been eliminated.

These are generally dry to off-dry and pair well with sushi, fusion cuisine or even seafood risotto.