Premium sake is called “tokutei meishoshu.” This classification means that the only ingredients allowed are water, rice, koji, yeast and sometimes brewer’s alcohol. All other sake is called “futsushu,” or table sake. This type of sake can include a higher amount of distilled alcohol, sweeteners or other additives. It’s the everyday sake people enjoy after work because it’s both food-friendly and budget-friendly. About 70% of sake in Japan is futsushu!
