How to Read a Sake Label (Even If You Don't Read Japanese)

Standing in front of a sake bottle with Japanese characters on the label can feel intimidating. But once you know what to look for, a sake label tells you almost everything you need to know about what's inside. Here's your cheat sheet.

The Key Information on Every Sake Label

1. The Grade (Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo)

This is the most important piece of information. Look for one of these terms — usually prominently displayed:

  • Junmai Daiginjo (純米大吹醒) — premium, pure rice, polished to at least 50%
  • Junmai Ginjo (純米吹醒) — pure rice, polished to at least 60%, fruity and aromatic
  • Daiginjo (大吹醒) — premium, polished to at least 50% (may have small amount of added alcohol)
  • Ginjo (吹醒) — polished to at least 60% (may have small amount of added alcohol)
  • Junmai (純米) — pure rice, no added alcohol, fuller-bodied
  • Nigori (にごり) — unfiltered, cloudy, creamy

2. The Polishing Ratio (Seimaibuai 精米歩合)

Usually expressed as a percentage — for example, "精米歩合 40%" means the rice has been polished to 40% of its original size (60% removed). The lower the number, the more polishing, and generally the more delicate the sake.

Our Laugh with SAKE Junmai Daiginjo 35 Zuiun has a polishing ratio of 35% — one of the most refined available.

3. The Sake Meter Value (Nihonshu-do 日本酒度)

This number tells you how dry or sweet the sake is. Look for 日本酒度 or SMV on the label:

  • Positive number (e.g. +5) — drier, more savoury
  • Zero — neutral
  • Negative number (e.g. -3) — sweeter, more fruity

4. The Brewery Name (Kuramoto 蔵元)

The brewery's name is usually displayed prominently. In Japan, the brewery's reputation and region are important quality indicators — similar to how a wine producer's name signals quality in the wine world.

5. The Rice Variety

Premium sake labels often specify the rice variety used. Common varieties include Yamada Nishiki (the "king" of sake rice), Gohyakumangoku, and rarer varieties like Matsuyama Mii — used in our Laugh with SAKE Junmai Daiginjo Matsuyama Mii.

6. Alcohol Content (Arukoru-do アルコール度)

Usually between 14–16% for sake. Look for アルコール度 or simply the % symbol.

7. Namazake / Namachozoshu

If you see 生酒 (namazake) or 生貯蔵酒 (namachozoshu) on the label, the sake is unpasteurised or only partially pasteurised — meaning it's fresher and livelier, but needs to be kept refrigerated. Our Laugh with SAKE Namachozoshu Nigori Sake is a namachozoshu.

A Quick Label Reading Exercise

Next time you pick up a bottle, look for: the grade (Junmai Daiginjo?), the polishing ratio (how low?), and the SMV (positive = dry, negative = sweet). With just these three pieces of information, you can make a confident choice.

Don't Overthink It

Labels are helpful, but the best way to learn about sake is to taste it. Browse the Premium Pour range — every bottle comes with a description that tells you exactly what to expect.

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