Junmai Daiginjo vs Junmai Ginjo

Many people often ask about the differences between Junmai Daiginjo and Junmai Ginjo, with a common perception being that Junmai Daiginjo is superior. However, the choice between them really depends on personal preference, including the broader category of Junmai sake as well.

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Junmai Daiginjo and Junmai Ginjo are two esteemed categories of sake, each distinguished by their specific rice polishing ratios and resulting flavor profiles. Both fall under the "Junmai" classification, meaning they are crafted without any added alcohol or sugars, using only rice, water, koji mold, and yeast.

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Junmai Daiginjo is known for its highly polished rice, with at least 50% of the grain being milled away. This extensive polishing leads to a sake with a more delicate, complex, and often fruity and floral profile. It's typically seen as a premium choice, ideal for special occasions and enjoyed best when served chilled.

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Junmai Ginjo, while also a product of significant rice polishing (with the grains polished to 60% of their original size), offers a slightly more robust flavor. It balances the delicate characteristics of Junmai Daiginjo with a fuller, more pronounced rice flavor, making it versatile for various occasions and serving temperatures.

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In essence, the 'better' choice between Junmai Daiginjo and Junmai Ginjo is subjective to them. Moreover, even though the polishing ratio is below 50%, some breweries label them as Junmai Ginjo instead of Junmai Daiginjo at times. This reason is quite subjective to them, but usually, they have a lower polishing ratio.