Japanese sake is a great drink to enjoy cold or warm, whether you’re an expert or a first-time drinker. Drinking sake, unlike some alcohol types, is quite a unique experience. There is a tremendous range of styles of rice wine iterations that make for an enjoyable social experience.

The complexity of different types of sake – and its relatively cheap cost – mean it’s worth learning about the different types and brands when you are enjoying Japanese cuisine, cooking at home, or hanging with friends and family.

The following list of the 10 best sake brands exemplifies great tasting sake types, with the exception of kutsushu table sake (very cheap sake) and the unpasteurized organic Nama-sake style.

If you’re an inexperienced sake drinker (or need a refresher), I’d recommend reading our beginner’s guide on how to drink sake before choosing a bottle. You’ll access useful information to help you choose the right type for your palate and learn a bit about sake brewing.

Kampai!

Best Buy

1. Gekkeikan Black & Gold

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Gekkeikan is arguably the most famous sake brand available in the U.S. and internationally. Black & Gold is a premium Junmai sake bottled at 15.6% ABV. Black & Gold is a unique blend of two types of unfiltered sake, carefully selected from rice milled to 60% and 70%.

It’s full-bodied and aromatic, with hints of honeydew, papaya, anise, and roasted nuts, and is really enjoyable to sip in relaxation. It’s also a terrific sake to enjoy at room temperature or lightly chilled. Gekkeikan Black & Gold complements duck, grilled chicken and pork, scallops, and steamed shellfish dishes, and is a great choice for all sake drinkers.

2. Hiro Sake Junmai Daiginjo

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Junmai Daiginjo sake is Daiginjo sake that also fits the “pure rice” (no additives) definition and is, therefore, regarded as the highest-grade sake. Hiro Junmai Daiginjo sake was inspired by the ancient recipe of Hiroemon Takeda (from around 1635), a legendary Samurai and Japanese sake connoisseur. Hiro is crafted using only specially polished Koshi-Tanrei rice from the Murakami plain in the Niigata Region, with a milling rate of 40%.