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Nama

Unpasteurized sake

“Namanama,” or just “nama” for short, is unpasteurized sake. Sake usually undergoes two rounds of heat pasteurization. Skipping them results in more vibrant, refreshing flavors. It also makes the sake less shelf stable, which is why nama needs to be refrigerated even before opening. It’s also the reason nama are mainly spring and summer seasonal releases.


Because nama tend to feature fresh, robust flavors, they can be paired with stronger flavored American dishes. It's also fun to pair seasonal nama with seasonal fare, such as spring vegetables with spring nama, and a light summer salad with summer nama.

At Tippsy, the majority of sake in this category are under $50, but prices can vary as there are always new limited releases that only come out once a year. One such seasonal sake is Otokoyama “Tokubetsu Junmai” Nama, with its rejuvenating apple aroma. On the other hand, Narutotai “Ginjo” Nama Genshu is a more sturdy nama because it’s undiluted and possesses a higher alcohol percentage, making it a fantastic year-round choice!

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