Namazume

There are normally two rounds of heat pasteurization in the sake making process: once after filtering and once prior to bottling. “Namazume” sake skips the second round of pasteurization, retaining a certain freshness of flavor. The trade-off is usually that these types of sake are not as shelf stable and need to be refrigerated even prior to opening. However, there are some exceptions!

Joyo Brewing Company is unique in that their bottles come with vintages — a concept much more common in the wine industry. Joyo “Junmai 65” will mellow and deepen in flavor over time, going against sake’s general rule of enjoying it young. Many “hiyaoroshi” (fall sake) are also namazume, ideal for pairing with savory, seasonal foods such as hearty meats or butternut squash soup. But if you’re looking for a more light and lively option, try Ryujin “Kakushi Ginjo” with its notes of tropical fruit!

Namazume is a substyle of sake, so prices will vary based on whether it’s a honjozo, a daiginjo, etc. But Tippsy’s namazume collection has some wonderful, affordable offerings that start at around $20 and top out at around $75.

There are normally two rounds of heat pasteurization in the sake making process: once after filtering and once prior to bottling. “Namazume” sake skips the second round of pasteurization, retaining a certain freshness of flavor. The trade-off is usually that these types of sake are not as shelf stable and need to be refrigerated even prior to opening. However, there are some exceptions!

Joyo Brewing Company is unique in that their bottles come with vintages — a concept much more common in the wine industry. Joyo “Junmai 65” will mellow and deepen in flavor over time, going against sake’s general rule of enjoying it young. Many “hiyaoroshi” (fall sake) are also namazume, ideal for pairing with savory, seasonal foods such as hearty meats or butternut squash soup. But if you’re looking for a more light and lively option, try Ryujin “Kakushi Ginjo” with its notes of tropical fruit!

Namazume is a substyle of sake, so prices will vary based on whether it’s a honjozo, a daiginjo, etc. But Tippsy’s namazume collection has some wonderful, affordable offerings that start at around $20 and top out at around $75.