Best Sake of 2025

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It has been enjoyed for centuries in Japan and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Sake is a versatile drink that can be served at different temperatures depending on the occasion and preference. Its flavour profile ranges from light and fruity to rich and complex, making it suitable for pairing with a variety of cuisines. With its unique brewing process and cultural significance, sake offers a distinct drinking experience that is worth trying.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Akashi Tai Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake, Premium and Savoury Cover #TOP 1
Akashi Tai Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake, Premium and Savoury
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake 720ml Overview Cover #TOP 2
Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake 720ml Overview
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Plum Infused Sake 50 cl Cover #TOP 3
Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Plum Infused Sake 50 cl
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sake

#TOP 1

Akashi Tai Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake, Premium and Savoury

AKA043
72 cl
Akashi Tai Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake, Premium and Savoury Cover
Akashi Tai Tokubetsu Honjozo Sake, 72 cl

Akashi Tai Sake is a premium offering from a 4th generation brewery in Hyogo prefecture. This medium-bodied sake boasts umami-rich, savoury and earthy flavours, alongside refreshing hints of citrus that enhance any meal. You can serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature in either a wine or sake glass, making it a versatile choice for various dining occasions. It pairs wonderfully with BBQ meats, ramen, and miso-flavoured dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

What We Like
Premium quality from a renowned brewery
Rich and savoury flavour profile
Versatile serving options
Excellent with a variety of dishes
#TOP 2

Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake 720ml Overview

Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake 720ml Overview Cover
Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake 720ml

Sawanotsuru Deluxe Sake is a refined Japanese sake with an alcohol content of 14.5% by volume. Originating from Japan, this sake offers a unique taste that enhances your dining experience. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, allowing you to appreciate its delicate flavours. The 720ml bottle size makes it perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, providing convenience and versatility for any occasion.

What We Like
High alcohol content
Refined flavour profile
Convenient 720ml size
Versatile serving options
Authentic Japanese origin
#TOP 3

Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Plum Infused Sake 50 cl

SAKE0009
Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Plum Infused Sake 50 cl Cover
Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu Plum Infused Sake 50 cl

Akashi-Tai Umeshu Sake offers a delightful sweetness with rich flavours of plum, date, cherry, and almond, culminating in a refreshing dry finish. This unique umeshu is crafted by macerating Ume plums in premium sake and balancing it with sugar, making it a perfect alternative to sweet wine. You can serve it chilled alongside cheese boards or desserts, enhancing your dining experience. Alternatively, during colder months, enjoy it with hot water and spices as a comforting mulled wine substitute.

What We Like
Rich plum and almond flavours
Versatile serving options
Ideal with cheese and desserts
Crafted by a renowned brewery
#TOP 4

Bizen Maboroshi Junmai Ginjo Sake, 72 cl

Bizen Maboroshi
H0043
Bizen Maboroshi Junmai Ginjo Sake, 72 cl Cover
Bizen Maboroshi Junmai Ginjo Sake, 72 cl

Bizen Maboroshi Sake is a delightful ginjo sake made from 100 percent "Bizen Omachi" rice. This sake features a light and sweet aroma, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy aromatic beverages. Its flavourful profile allows you to savour every sip, enhancing your dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a long day, this sake brings a touch of elegance and enjoyment to your moments.

What We Like
Flavourful ginjo sake
100% "Bizen Omachi" rice
Light and sweet aroma
#TOP 5

Ozeki Junmai Sake 750ml Pack of 2

Ozeki Junmai Sake 750ml Pack of 2 Cover
Ozeki Junmai Sake 750ml 14.5% Alc./Vol(Pack of 2)

The Ozeki Junmai Sake is a delightful rice wine with an alcohol content of 14.5%. The 750ml size makes it perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during special occasions. This pack of two ensures that you always have a bottle ready for whenever you fancy a drink. With its smooth flavour, this sake is ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes, enhancing your dining experience. Enjoy the convenience and pleasure this product brings to your gatherings.

What We Like
High alcohol content
Generous 750ml size
Convenient pack of two
Versatile for food pairing
#TOP 6

Ozeki Premium Junmai Sake, 75 cl

H0096
Ozeki Premium Junmai Sake, 75 cl Cover
Ozeki Premium Junmai Sake, 75 cl

The Ozeki Junmai Sake offers a well-balanced flavour that is perfect for those who appreciate a delicate drinking experience. With its dry and refined profile, you can enjoy a sake that is gentle on the palate. This full-bodied flavour also provides a rich aroma, enhancing your overall enjoyment. Whether for a special occasion or a casual evening, this sake is sure to impress and elevate your tasting experience.

What We Like
Well balanced flavour
Dry and delicate
Full-bodied taste
Aromatic experience
#TOP 7

Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake 720ml

Pink
Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake 720ml Cover
Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Sake, 720ml

Hakutsuru Sayuri Sake provides a smooth and creamy drinking experience, perfect for those who enjoy rich flavours. Its authentic nigori sake offers a delightful blend of natural sweetness and subtle fruitiness, making it an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. With a generous 720ml bottle, you can easily share this delightful beverage with friends and family during special occasions or casual gatherings. Crafted with precision from carefully selected rice and pure water, this sake preserves the true essence of traditional Japanese brewing.

What We Like
Smooth and creamy texture
Rich, unfiltered flavour
Generous sharing size
Crafted using traditional methods
Versatile serving options
#TOP 8

Akashi Tai Daiginjo Genshu Sake, 72cl

AKA033
72 cl
Akashi Tai Daiginjo Genshu Sake, 72cl Cover
Akashi Tai Daiginjo Genshu Sake, 72cl

Akashi Tai Genshu Sake is a premium sake from a fourth generation brewery in Hyogo prefecture. This medium-bodied drink boasts a luxuriously aromatic profile, with sweet banana and honey on the nose, complemented by flavours of pear and melon. You can enjoy it chilled, making it a refreshing choice for various occasions. It pairs wonderfully with oysters, sushi, sashimi, or even salads dressed with vinaigrette, enhancing your dining experience. Remember, once opened, store it in the fridge and consume within 14 days for the best taste.

What We Like
Luxuriously aromatic flavour profile
Ideal for pairing with food
Best served chilled
Made from quality sake rice
Convenient storage after opening
#TOP 9

Hinode Cooking Sake 400ml - High Quality

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Hinode Cooking Sake 400ml - High Quality Cover
Hinode Ryourishu Junryou - Cooking Sake 400ml

The Hinode Cooking Sake is a high-quality product that comes in a convenient 400ml bottle. Weighing just 0.29 kilograms, it’s easy to handle and store in your kitchen. This cooking sake can add a rich depth of flavour to your dishes, enhancing the overall taste of your meals. It’s important to note that it contains sulphites, which you should consider if you have sensitivities. This product is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks looking to elevate their culinary creations.

What We Like
High-quality cooking sake
Convenient 400ml bottle
Enhances meal flavours
Lightweight and easy to store
#TOP 10

Hinode 1.8 Litre Cooking Sake

S0332
Hinode 1.8 Litre Cooking Sake Cover
Hinode Cooking Sake, 1.8 Litre

Hinode Cooking Sake is a fantastic choice for those who love preparing Japanese dishes. This 100% Japanese cooking sake is a staple ingredient that enhances the flavour and aroma of your meals. You will appreciate its great value, especially when cooking. It's important to note that this cooking sake contains added salt and sweeteners, making it unsuitable for drinking, but perfect for adding depth to your culinary creations.

What We Like
Great value for cooking
Enhances flavour and aroma
100% Japanese ingredient
Not for drinking
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of alcohol is sake?

Sake is a type of brewed alcohol Similar to beer and wine, sake is not a distilled but a brewed alcohol, made from fermented rice juice. Sake typically has 15% of alcohol by volume, which is much lower than general spirits such as tequila, whiskey, and gin.

2. Is sake a beer or wine?

Not a wine, a beer or a spirit, sake is a beverage category unto itself. A cherished pour in Japan for over 2500 years, sake is increasingly making its mark across the world, appearing on wine lists, bottle shelves, and in the cocktails of drinks professionals in-the-know.

3. What does sake taste like?

Sake is a mildly sweet, clean tasting drink with a well-balanced combination of astringent and savory flavor. It has a nutty, fruity aroma which is less pronounced than that of wine.

4. What is Japanese sake?

Sake is traditional Japanese grain alcohol and the national drink of Japan. It's made by fermenting polished rice. Polishing rice removes the bran, and the more polished the rice is, the finer the sake tends to be. Historically, sake dates back to at least the 8th century and quite possibly even earlier.

Editor's Notes

During our sake research, we found 142 sake products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,908 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sake list. We found that most customers choose sake with an average price of £27.19.

The sake are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sake, including Akashi-Tai, Sawanotsuru, Bizen Maboroshi, Let's Go Market, Ozeki.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.