The words “純米大吟醸 (junmai daiginjo)” on a sake label show that the sake was made only from rice, rice koji (kome koji, 米麹) and water, with at least half of the outer part of the rice polished away, by “ginjo brewing (ginjo-zukuri, 吟醸造り)”. It is one of the special designations (tokutei meisho, 特定名称) set by national standards. The special designations as a whole are explained on the Types of sake page.
Conditions for junmai daiginjo-shu
| Item | Condition |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Rice, rice koji (no brewer’s alcohol added) |
| Rice polishing | At least half of the outer rice polished away (rice polishing ratio of 50% or less) |
| Brewing method | Ginjo brewing |
| Rice used for the rice koji | At least 15% of the weight of the rice used as an ingredient |
| Aroma and taste | A distinctive aroma and taste, with especially good color and luster |
“At least half polished away” means that the weight of the rice remaining after polishing is half or less of the original brown rice.
The two conditions: “junmai” and “daiginjo”
- Junmai (純米): No brewer’s alcohol (jozo alcohol, 醸造アルコール) has been added. → Junmai-shu
- Daiginjo (大吟醸): At least half of the outer rice has been polished away, and the sake is made by ginjo brewing. → Daiginjo-shu
Ginjo brewing is a method in which well-polished rice is fermented slowly at a low temperature so that a distinctive aroma called “ginko (吟香)” develops. → Ginjo-shu
How it differs from similar names
| Name | Brewer’s alcohol | Rice polishing |
|---|---|---|
| Junmai ginjo-shu | Not added | At least 40% of the outer rice polished away |
| Junmai daiginjo-shu | Not added | At least half of the outer rice polished away |
| Daiginjo-shu | A small amount is added | At least half of the outer rice polished away |
The special designations are categories based on ingredients and on how much of the rice has been polished away. They are not a ranking of quality.
Telling them apart on the label
| Label entry | For junmai daiginjo-shu |
|---|---|
| 原材料名 (ingredients) | 米、米こうじ (rice, rice koji) |
| 精米歩合 (rice polishing ratio) | A figure of 50% or less |
On sake with a special designation, the rice polishing ratio (seimai buai, 精米歩合) is written right next to the list of ingredients.
While traveling
The Dassai (獺祭) brewery in Yamaguchi Prefecture makes only junmai daiginjo. → Article on Dassai
At other breweries, even under the same brewery or the same brand name, the special designation differs from product to product. When you buy, please check the label of each bottle.