Explore the different kinds of saké and their flavor profiles, how to pair saké with food, and other details to enhance your enjoyment of this trending favorite.
Saké is more than a drink — there’s nothing better to pair with an Asian meal, completing the cultural experience. It’s also a wonderful drink to sip alone, whether you prefer it warm or chilled. Saké used to be found mostly in specialty restaurants, but it’s been gaining fans across the United States for some time. Wine lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, and adventurous drinkers are turning to saké for its smooth texture, wide flavor range, and rich history.
At Mulberry MAX liquor store, we’re proud to offer one of the best selections of saké in Fort Collins. Whether you’re new to saké or already a fan, this guide will help you understand its varieties, flavor profiles, and how to choose the right bottle.
Saké’s rising popularity in the U.S.
America’s embrace of saké has been growing steadily over the last decade, increasing by a whopping 25% in 2024. Americans are also becoming more open to trying different styles of saké at home and in restaurants.
Saké’s appeal is expanding across age groups:
- Gen Z and millennials are driving the trend with their interest in global beverages and food pairings.
- Gen X and boomers are exploring saké as a lower-acid, food-friendly alternative to wine.
As more people look for new and interesting drinks, saké fits that desire well — whether you’re sipping it warm with sushi or chilled on a sunny Colorado patio.
The basics: What is saké?
Saké is a Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. You might be thinking, eww, mold? But it’s there to mitigate one of the fundamental differences between sake and beer: Saké rice doesn’t contain the enzymes in barley that convert starch into sugar, so distillers need an additional ingredient: koji mold. Plus, some of the most coveted dessert wines in the world gain their unique qualities from the “noble rot” of the botrytis cinerea fungus.
But back to saké: While often called “rice wine,” saké is brewed more like beer. The rice starch, thanks to koji mold, is converted to sugar and then fermented into alcohol.
The key factor in saké quality is the rice polishing ratio, or seimaibuai. This tells you how much of the rice grain was polished away, usually expressed as a percentage. The more it’s polished, the cleaner and more refined the flavor.
Types of saké and what they taste like
Part of the fun of exploring saké is learning the different styles and their flavor profiles. Here’s an explainer of the basics.
Junmai
- Meaning: “Pure rice”
- Flavor profile: Rich, full-bodied, slightly acidic
- Pairs with: Heavier dishes like ramen, grilled meats
Junmai saké is made with only rice, water, yeast, and koji — no added alcohol. It often has earthy, umami-driven flavors.
Ginjo
- Meaning: “Premium” saké with rice polished to 60% or less
- Flavor profile: Light, fruity, floral
- Pairs with: Sushi, salads, seafood
Ginjo saké is refined and smooth, often with delicate aromas and a clean finish. It can be Junmai Ginjo (no added alcohol) or simply Ginjo (a small amount of distilled alcohol added).
Daiginjo
- Meaning: “Super premium,” rice polished to 50% or less
- Flavor profile: Aromatic, elegant, light
- Pairs with: Fine sashimi, delicate cheeses, special occasions
Daiginjo saké represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship. It’s usually served chilled to preserve its fragrance and clarity.
Honjozo
- Meaning: Alcohol added to enhance aroma and flavor; rice polished to at least 70%
- Flavor profile: Lighter and more aromatic than other types
- Pairs with: Salads and other light dishes, soups and hot pots
Because of the higher minimum rice polishing, Honjozo tends to be less expensive than other sakés.
Nigori
- Meaning: “Cloudy” saké, which describes its lack of clarity
- Flavor profile: Sweet, creamy, often tropical
- Pairs with: Spicy foods, desserts, fried dishes
Nigori is coarsely filtered, leaving rice particles suspended in the liquid. It’s often sweeter and has a smooth, milky texture.
Sparkling saké
- Flavor profile: Effervescent, light, slightly sweet
- Pairs with: Brunch, fruit-based dishes, celebrations
This style is carbonated and low in alcohol, perfect for casual sipping or festive occasions.
Key saké label terms to know
Understanding saké labels can be intimidating. Here are some common terms you’ll see:
- Seimaibuai – The rice polishing ratio; lower numbers mean more polishing and a higher quality saké
- Tokubetsu – This translates to “special”; indicates extra care or quality
- Nama – This means “fresh” and can also be found as “Namazake”; it’s unpasteurized and usually tastes fresher and livelier
- Genshu – Undiluted; higher alcohol and more robust flavor
- Koshu – Aged saké; richer and more complex
- Taruzake – Aged in cedar barrels; woody and spicy notes. The barrels aren’t charred like bourbon barrels, so they don’t impart vanilla/caramel flavors.
- Jizake – “Craft sake” produced by smaller local sake breweries, often in smaller batches
- Arabashiri – From the first run in a batch, which results in a cloudier and fuller body
Colorado’s contribution to craft saké
While Japan is still the hub of saké production, Colorado is home to an exciting newcomer in the American craft saké scene. Colorado Saké Co. in Denver offers lively, creative takes on saké, including yuzu and nigori flavors. It’s known for on-tap saké, saké slushies, and seasonal releases. Tours and tastings are available at their Denver taproom.
How to enjoy saké at home
You can enjoy saké warm or chilled; either way is fine and won’t earn you funny looks at a restaurant, so drink it however you like. Here are a few tips to enhance your saké experience:
Temperature matters
- Warm saké: Best for Junmai and Honjozo styles. Brings out umami and earthiness.
- Chilled saké: Ideal for Ginjo, Daiginjo, and sparkling saké. Preserves aroma and delicacy.
Serve in the right glass
The ochoko saké cup has been a tradition in Japanese drinking culture for centuries. Typically small and squat, this cup is designed to hold a modest amount of saké, often around 30 to 50 milliliters, which is the perfect portion for sipping the drink in a leisurely manner.
Artisans often make ochoko from ceramic, porcelain, or occasionally glass, in a variety of shapes and designs, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of different regions in Japan. Its compact size and simple, unassuming appearance are symbolic of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi — finding beauty in imperfection and simplicity.
The design of the ochoko is functional and intentional, with the wide mouth allowing you to enjoy the aroma of the saké fully. This design also encourages moderation, as the small volume discourages excessive consumption, promoting a more thoughtful, slow enjoyment of saké. Enthusiasts often use them for serving the drink warm, but serving cold sake in ochoko is also perfectly fine.
The ochoko holds a special place in Japanese social rituals. When drinking saké with friends or family, it’s customary for people to pour the saké for one another, a practice known as kenkai or saké kanpai. This act of pouring and receiving saké in the ochoko fosters a sense of camaraderie and respect.
While ochoko are common, they are not a requirement; wine glasses work well for premium saké. They allow the aromas to develop and offer a fuller tasting experience.
Pair with food
Saké pairs well with more than just Japanese cuisine. Try these combinations:
- Junmai with ramen or roasted chicken
- Ginjo with grilled fish or goat cheese
- Nigori with spicy Thai food or chocolate desserts
- Sparkling saké with fruit tarts or shrimp tempura
Where to buy saké in Fort Collins
If you’re wondering where to find the best saké in Fort Collins, look no further than Mulberry MAX liquor store.
We carry a rotating selection of premium saké, including:
- Junmai and Ginjo from Japan’s top producers
- Cloudy Nigori and sparkling saké
- Colorado-made saké from Colorado Saké Co.
- Staff picks and seasonal releases
Our team is always happy to help you choose the right bottle, whether you’re planning a sushi night or just eager to try something new.
Visit Mulberry MAX liquor store for saké in Fort Collins
Saké is an ancient drink that continues to evolve and surprise. From elegant Daiginjo to playful sparkling saké, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time taster or a seasoned saké fan, Mulberry MAX liquor store is your local source for top-quality saké in Fort Collins.
📍 Location: 460 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Whether you’re a Fort Collins local or visiting from nearby spots like LaPorte, Timnath, Bellvue, Wellington, or Loveland, Mulberry Max is your go-to liquor store for great selection, friendly service and unbeatable convenience. We love helping our neighbors discover their new favorite drinks — whether that’s saké, craft beer, wine, spirits, or something unique.
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