SAKE 101
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WHAT IS SAKE?
We've been noticing some people still think sake is just the warm stuff you bombed in college, but it's actually a whole lot more.
We want to set the record straight so you can understand what's in the can and start exploring this fascinating (and delicious) beverage.
WHAT SAKE IS & ISN'T
WINE VS. SAKE
A lot of people refer to sake as "rice wine". But it's actually made by brewing rice in a process more similar to that of making beer.
- Unlike wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting sugar that is naturally present grapes, sake is produced by a brewing process more like beer, where starch is converted into sugars which ferment into alcohol.
- The brewing process for sake differs from the beer process in that, for beer, the conversion from starch to sugar and from sugar to alcohol occurs in two distinct steps. When sake is brewed, these conversions occur simultaneously.
- The alcohol content differs between sake, wine, and beer. Most beer contains 3–9%, wine generally contains 9–16%, and undiluted sake contains 18–20% (although this is often lowered to about 15% by diluting with water prior to bottling).
Ginjo Genshu
This describes Bushido's grade and style. Genshu means Bushido was not diluted after brewing so it's higher in alcohol (18%). Ginjo means the rice was milled down a lot before brewing, giving it a smoother taste even with the higher alcohol.
Vegan & Gluten-Free
Premium Japanese sake, like Bushido, is highly regulated so you know what you are drinking. Premium Japanese sake is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and sulfite free.
How to Serve
We love drinking Bushido on its own, but we do leave a little room in the can so you can add your favorite mixer for an instant cocktail.