Honjozo (small amount of distilled alcohol added)
ReferenceNiigata, Hiroshima, Kyoto, National
ABV14-17%
Sub-styles
Standard honjozoTokubetsu honjozo (special)Nama honjozo (unpasteurized)Aged honjozo
Tasting Notes
Light-bodied, dry, mildly fragrant, clean rice, subtle melon, steamed grain, mineral finish, earthy undertone. Warmed: opens to cereal sweetness, toasted rice, gentle umami. Cooler: crisper, more citrus peel, refreshing. Honjozo reads less fruity than junmai ginjo but more complex than table sake.
Brand Guide
Well
Gekkeikan Traditional ($10-15)
Call
Hakutsuru Excellent ($15-20)
Premium
Dewazakura Dewasansan, Kubota Senju ($20-35)
Top Shelf
Masumi Okuden Kantsukuri ($35-50). Kubota Senju is the honjozo benchmark - clean, dry, exceptional warm or cold
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The Story
Brewer's alcohol brightens the brew—tradition's choice for aromatic clarity and elegant drinkability.