What Junmai Daiginjo Means

Junmai Daiginjo is sake brewed without added distilled alcohol, using rice polished to 50% or less of its original weight and the slow, cool approach of Ginjo brewing. The grade describes the making. It does not prescribe one flavor or guarantee that you will prefer it to another sake.

two words, two parts of the making

what does junmai mean?

Junmai means no distilled alcohol is added. Rice, water, koji and yeast make the sake; its alcohol develops through fermentation.

what does daiginjo mean?

Daiginjo brings highly polished rice and the slow, cool approach of Ginjo brewing. The polishing requirement is 50% or less remaining: at least half of the grain's original weight has been milled away. The designation also calls for the characteristic fragrance and flavor of this brewing method.

is daiginjo the same as junmai daiginjo?

The distinction is the added alcohol. Daiginjo permits a limited addition of brewer's alcohol; Junmai Daiginjo does not. Both share the polishing threshold and Ginjo brewing approach. The full name on the label tells you which you are choosing.

how does junmai daiginjo differ from junmai ginjo?

Junmai Ginjo requires rice polished to 60% or less of its original weight; Junmai Daiginjo requires 50% or less. Both are made without added distilled alcohol. These are thresholds, rather than a complete description of a bottle's character. Our guide to Junmai Ginjo explains how the polishing thresholds overlap, with LABEL AZUR as an example.

the character beyond the grade

Rice polishing, yeast and fermentation help shape the aromas you eventually find in the glass. The shared grade leaves room for each brewery's knowledge and taste. Our LABEL NOIR and LABEL ORANGE offer two examples.

label noir, with niizawa

LABEL NOIR is composed with Niizawa in Miyagi. The brewery’s blind-tasting practice trains attention on differences in the sake itself. In this composition, cantaloupe, tangerine, lychee and ripe apple meet a mineral palate, refreshing acidity and a lingering finish.

label orange, with urakasumi

For LABEL ORANGE, Urakasumi uses rice polished to 40 to 45%. Its pineapple, lychee and blossom notes accompany a silky, slightly rich, dry palate with layered umami. Those tasting details tell you more about what to expect at dinner than the polishing figure alone.

Choose NOIR if its fruit aromas and refreshing acidity appeal, or ORANGE for its richer texture and savory depth. Both carry the same grade. Our guide to what sake tastes like explains how to read those differences in aroma, texture and finish.