Though Japanese rice wine is often referred to as sake in English, sake in Japanese refers to alcohol in general. In Japan, the preferred word for rice wine is "Nihonshu."

Nihonshu has a very distinctive aroma and fruity sweet taste. It has an alcohol content of from 14 to 19%. Drinking chilled nihonshu in summer helps you feel refreshed after working and increases your appetite. In winter, hot nihonshu makes you feel warm and relaxed.

There are approximately 2,000 nihonshu breweries in Japan producing more than 10,000 products. Every brand of nihonshu has a unique aroma and taste of its own. If you would like to find out more about nihonshu and brewing, the museum below may interest you.

 

 

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum