Muroka

There are many steps in the sake making process, and some brewers may choose to skip some to achieve a desired flavor. “Roka” is the process of clarifying the liquid further after pressing. While roka removes some finer particles that make the sake more susceptible to aging and changing color, the brewery may decide to forego this step to keep more flavor and character. The resulting sake is called “muroka,” with the prefix “mu-” literally meaning “without.”

One excellent example of muroka sake is the extremely popular Born “Gold,” which is full bodied, smooth and supremely juicy. Watari Bune “Junmai Ginjo 55” is another great choice, whose personality comes out in its intense aroma and its playful acidity. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, go for Kuro Kabuto “Junmai Daiginjo,” which is made with black koji. Sake is typically made with yellow koji only, and this highly unusual choice by the brewers brings an acidity and umami to the brew that pairs exceptionally well with meats and cheeses

Muroka is a substyle of sake, so any type — junmai, junmai daiginjo, etc. — can be muroka. At Tippsy, muroka sake can range from $20 to $120.

There are many steps in the sake making process, and some brewers may choose to skip some to achieve a desired flavor. “Roka” is the process of clarifying the liquid further after pressing. While roka removes some finer particles that make the sake more susceptible to aging and changing color, the brewery may decide to forego this step to keep more flavor and character. The resulting sake is called “muroka,” with the prefix “mu-” literally meaning “without.”

One excellent example of muroka sake is the extremely popular Born “Gold,” which is full bodied, smooth and supremely juicy. Watari Bune “Junmai Ginjo 55” is another great choice, whose personality comes out in its intense aroma and its playful acidity. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, go for Kuro Kabuto “Junmai Daiginjo,” which is made with black koji. Sake is typically made with yellow koji only, and this highly unusual choice by the brewers brings an acidity and umami to the brew that pairs exceptionally well with meats and cheeses

Muroka is a substyle of sake, so any type — junmai, junmai daiginjo, etc. — can be muroka. At Tippsy, muroka sake can range from $20 to $120.