Saito Sake

From smooth, easy-drinking selections to premium varieties, Saito Sake offers a diverse range tailored for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. Its unwavering commitment to quality and precision made Saito a distinguished name in the world of Japanese sake. Discover the authentic taste of Kyoto with Saito Sake — where every sip tells a story of excellence.

What is Saito Sake?

Sake is a Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Saito Sake is a premium brand crafted in Fushimi, Kyoto, a region renowned for its pristine, mineral-rich underground water and ideal brewing climate. Established in the late 17th century as a kimono trader, the Saito company would switch over to sake brewing in 1895. Since then, the Saito has become associated with exceptional sake, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation to create master-quality products.

Using only the highest-quality sake rice and iron-free underground water, Saito crafts a diverse range of bottles – the smooth to the refined – through traditional methods. To produce Saito Sake, polished rice is mixed with yeast and fermented into moromi. The moromi is then with “Jozo alcohol”, a distilled alcohol diluted with Fushimi’s mineral-rich water. Flavouring agents were then added to boost sweetness and mild acidity.

The results are bottles embodying Saito’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity, offering a taste of Kyoto’s rich brewing heritage with every sip.

Is Saito Sake good?

Yes, there are several reasons why Saito is considered not just good but the gold standard for sake locally and internationally:

• Purest water: The Fushimi region where Saito’s Eikun brewery is located is blessed with an abundant supply of underground iron-free water. This pristine water, balanced with minerals like potassium and magnesium, is ideal for producing fine-tasting sake.
• Climate: Kyoto’s cold winter climate, known as “Sokobie,” provides the perfect conditions for brewing one of the highest-quality sake in Japan.
• Special rice: As a Kyoto brewery, Eikun has exclusive access to the region’s premium brewing rice, Iwaimai. This is the finest level quality of sakamai, a rice used for brewing sake because its grains are larger and stronger for sake-making.
• Meticulous craftsmanship: Saito crafts its diverse range using brewing techniques that balance traditional methods with modern innovation.
• A symbol of tradition: With a 110-year history, Saito has become a watchword for Japanese culture and tradition, the epitome of the country’s sake brewing heritage.
• Awards and accolades: Saito has won the gold award at the Annual Japan Sake Awards 14 years in succession, becoming the most successful company in the history of the awards.

Saito labels

Here are the Saito labels available in Malaysia:

• Saito Dry Karakuchi Sake: Brewed with less than 10% distilled alcohol to create a light and dry mouthfeel with moderate sake aroma.
• Saito Yuzu Hikari: A refreshing sparkling sake with the semi-sweet and sour flavour of citrus.
• Saito Junmai Daiginjo Sake: A premium sake with the finest fruity aroma of pear. This full-bodied and elegant sake has richness in flavour with a gentle, smooth finish.
• Saito Junmai Sake: Junmai is the Japanese definition of pure rice sake. Made with a minimum of 30% milled rice, water, Koji and yeast, you can taste a rice flavour with higher potency.
• Saito Ginjo Aged Sake: This premium sake is aged for 12 years, granting it a distinct golden colour and special rich flavour and aroma. This full-body sake has a long finish with an aroma of caramel and almond.
• Saito Premium Junmai Sake: This special sake is brewed using the “Yamahai” method, which is a traditional slow fermentation technique process at low temperature with extra care and time. It gives this sake width & depth in flavour with a semi-dry taste.
• Saito Junmai Gold: A special sake containing gold flakes. Opening the aroma of fragrant steamed rice and a hint of fine fruit, this brew is clean and smooth on the palate, with a fruity flavour.

Tasting notes

Each grade of Saito Sake has different tasting notes. Generally, the brand’s libations have a distinctively smooth and clean mouthfeel with moderate umami flavours.

Food pairings

Enhance your Saito Sake with these recommended food pairings:

•  Sushi and sashimi
• Tempura fish, shrimp and vegetables
• Yakitori
• Teppanyaki
• Ramen, udon and other soup-based dishes
• Vegetable dishes and salads
• Pizza
• Chocolate
• Thai food

How to enjoy Saito Sake?

Sake is a very versatile beverage that can be served warm or cold. In fact, many types of sake will display different tastes and aromas when they are heated or chilled. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your bottle of Saito:

• The Junmai is best served warm or at room temperature. This allows you to notice even more flavours than usual.
• The Ginjo and Daiginjo should be served chilled to bring out their complex flavours and aromas.
• For a traditional experience, serve and drink your sake out of an ochoko (a ceramic cup) or masu (a square wooden receptacle).

Where to buy Saito Sake?

Buy Saito Sake online in Malaysia right here on Whisky.my, where we offer the most affordable Saito Sake prices in the country. Buy a bottle now and savour the true taste of Japanese culture and heritage today!