Top Sake Brands to Sip and Savor

Sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine, has been gaining international acclaim for its unique flavors and craftsmanship. With a surge in global interest, consumers are eager to explore the top brands that embody the essence of this storied beverage. From the elegant daiginjo sakes to robust junmai varieties, brands offer a diverse range that caters to both connoisseurs and newcomers. For those looking to discover the epitome of sake excellence, read on to uncover some of the best brands that have mastered the art of sake brewing.

Illustration of sake

Best brands of sake in 2025

Dassai

Dassai, a premium junmai daiginjo sake brand, has achieved exponential growth, with its revenue increasing 40 times over the last three decades. Originally from a nearly bankrupt brewery in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Dassai focused on high-quality sake production, utilizing a data-driven approach and year-round production by younger workers. The brand is known for its clean aromatic flavors and distinctive labeling, such as the "Dassai 45" with a 45% rice polishing ratio. Dassai has become a global leader, with sales in Japan alone reaching 19.5 billion yen (USD 130 million) in the last fiscal year, and it has established an overseas production facility in New York. For more insight into why the brand is so famous, visit their official blog.

Juyondai

Juyondai, produced by Takagi Shuzo, is a highly respected sake brand known for its premium quality and unique brewing techniques. Founded in 1615, the brewery is now in its 14th generation under the leadership of Akitsuna Takagi, who introduced the Juyondai brand in the 1990s. Juyondai specializes in junmai daiginjos and produces around 40,000 cases annually, including limited edition luxury export brands. The brand is renowned for its mellow, umami style, which has won gold at the Annual Japan Sake Awards. Notably, the exclusive Juyondai N, linked with Hidetoshi Nakata, is produced in only about 1,000 bottles and sold at $2,150 per bottle. For more insight, explore the article Juyondai Sake – Cult or Con?.

Hakkaisan

Hakkaisan is renowned as one of the best sake producers, located in the snowy Niigata region, which is famous for its high-quality, light, and dry sake. The brewery utilizes local snowmelt water and house-made koji rice to create a well-balanced and authentic sake-sipping experience. Hakkaisan's sake, such as the Tokubetsu Honjozo, is dry and incredibly smooth, suitable for any serving temperature and pairing well with various dishes, especially salmon. The Junmai Daiginjo from Hakkaisan features a crispness with floral scents, a clean rice flavor, and a dash of dryness, with an alcohol content of 15.50% and a rice polishing ratio (RPR) of 45%.

Kubota

Kubota, a brand from Asahi Shuzo, is renowned for its high-quality sake, with a history dating back to 1830 in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture. Known for its "Tanrei Karakuchi" style, which is light, crisp, and dry, Kubota sakes are made from carefully selected rice, such as the Gohyakumangoku type, polished to 50% for optimal flavor. The brewery's commitment to quality is evident in its use of pure and fresh local water and its partnership with local farmers for rice cultivation. Asahi Shuzo's innovative approach, including the development of new sake types like sparkling and low-alcohol sakes, has significantly boosted their sales, more than doubling them over 15 years. The brewery's master brewers, including Motoyoshi Yamaga, ensure the perfect mastery and transmission of the house's know-how. For more information, you can visit Asahi Shuzo Kubota.

Gekkeikan

Gekkeikan Sake Company, Limited, founded in 1637 by Jiemon Okura, is one of Japan's most renowned sake producers, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation. The company, headquartered in Fushimi, Kyoto, has pioneered several advancements in sake brewing, including the establishment of the Okura Sake Brewing Research Institute in 1909 and the introduction of bottled sake with no added preservatives in 1911. Gekkeikan has expanded globally, with its U.S. subsidiary, Gekkeikan Sake (USA), Inc., established in 1989 in Folsom, California. The company continues to thrive, celebrating its 380th anniversary in 2017 and maintaining a strong presence in the global market. As of 2023, Gekkeikan Sake Company, Limited reported sales of 17.0 billion yen. For more detailed insights, visit their history page.

Tedorigawa

Tedorigawa, a renowned sake brand from Ishikawa Prefecture, has been dedicated to hand-crafted sake production since its founding in 1870. The brewery is notable for its use of the traditional Yamahai brewing method, which emphasizes natural lactic acid bacteria and results in sake with explosive aromatics and depth of flavor. Tedorigawa produces a range of sakes, including the "U" U-Nique Junmai with a 60% polishing ratio and 13% alcohol content, and the Yamahai Daiginjo Sake "Chrysanthemum Meadow" made from Yamadanishiki and Gohyakumangoku rice varieties. The brewery is led by the 6th-generation Toji, Yasuyuki Yoshida, who is committed to preserving traditional techniques while innovating to meet modern tastes. Tedorigawa aims to use 100% locally grown rice, local unprocessed water, and local yeast to create a unique terroir expression. Discover more about their brewing process.

Takara Shuzo

Takara Shuzo is a renowned producer of Japanese alcoholic beverages, particularly esteemed for its sake, shochu, and other traditional washu products. With over 180 years of history, the company has developed exceptional technical expertise, evident in its top market shares in ko-type shochu (11.9%), sake (27.4%), and Hon-mirin (57.3%). Takara Shuzo's commitment to quality is highlighted by its use of traditional techniques combined with modern technologies, such as the "Baisho (heat blast)" method and barrel-aging in about 20,000 casks. The company has also expanded its presence globally, with significant production and distribution in the U.S., China, the U.K., and Canada, and holds the number one position in the overseas market for sake in terms of local production and export quantity. Takara Sake USA Inc., established in 1983, has become one of the largest sake producers in the Americas.

Kikusui

Kikusui, founded in 1881, is a renowned sake brewery that has endured numerous challenges, including the Niigata earthquake in 1964 and the Kaetsu floods in 1966 and 1967, yet it remains committed to producing high-quality sake. Despite these hardships, Kikusui has evolved to meet changing consumer preferences and is now a major player in the sake industry. The brewery, still run by the same family under its fifth-generation president, is known for its innovative products and traditional brewing methods. Kikusui's resilience and dedication to quality have made it a significant name in the sake world, particularly in Niigata. The brewery's ability to adapt and innovate has helped it survive and thrive in a competitive market. For a deeper insight into their offerings, such as the Kikusui Junmai Ginjo, you can visit their dedicated product page.

Hakutsuru

Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. is renowned as one of the largest and most esteemed sake producers in Japan, celebrated for its 280 years of brewing mastery. Located in the Nada region, Hakutsuru utilizes mineral-rich waters from Mount Rokko and high-quality sake rice, such as the "Yamada Nishiki" and their proprietary "Hakutsuru Nishiki," to craft sake known for its rich flavor and distinct sharpness. In 2016, Hakutsuru's sales revenue reached Y=34,808 million, solidifying its position as the leading sake brewery in terms of sales. The company's commitment to traditional brewing methods and innovation has maintained its legacy, with its flagship brand "Hakutsuru" being a symbol of quality and tradition. Hakutsuru's sake production benefits from the unique cold winds of the Rokko Mountains, enhancing the fermentation process. Discover more about their commitment to quality and tradition.

Masumi

Masumi, a renowned brand of premium Japanese sake, is produced by the Miyasaka Brewing Company in Suwa, Nagano, Japan, with a history spanning over 350 years. The brand is famous for its "Number Seven" yeast variety, discovered over 70 years ago, which is widely used for its ability to produce sake with delicate floral and fruity aromas. Masumi sake is characterized by its balanced, food-friendly character and is available in various types, including Junmai and Junmai Ginjo, with polishing rates of up to 55%. The brewery has received numerous domestic and international awards for its high-quality sake. Masumi's products, such as KAYA Brown and KURO Black, are highly regarded for their smooth taste and specific serving temperatures. For more information about Masumi sake, please visit their official page.