The trend towards non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic drinks has been gaining momentum in recent years, and this is reflected in the market size, which has now reached an impressive $11 billion as of 2022. This figure is expected to continue growing in the coming years as more people opt for healthier and more responsible drinking habits.
Did you know that even sake, generally considered high in alcohol content, has a low-alcohol variant? Low-alcohol sake is perfect for people who:
- Are not accustomed to drinking sake
- Want to indulge in it just a little
- Prefer a balanced taste of acidity and sweetness in their drink
Our goal at Sakura Town is to ensure everyone can enjoy sake according to their preferences. That's why we offer a range of low-alcohol sake options. In this article, we'd like to showcase the appeal of chilled, delicious, low-alcohol sake.
CONTENTS
The ABV of Low-Alcohol Sake: How is it Defined?
Health Benefits
Recommended Low-Alcohol Sake at Sakura Town
AFAP
Sake de Swan
Bubble
Otsumami Set
What Does Low-Alcohol Japanese Sake Smell Like?
Best Food Pairings for Low-Alcohol Sake
What is the Best Occasion for Low-Alcohol Sake?
Taste the Magic at Sakura Town!
The ABV of Low-Alcohol Sake: How is it Defined?
Low-alcohol sake comes in various brewing methods and alcohol contents. At Sakura Town, we offer low-alcohol sake with an alcohol content of around 7-8% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). Different sellers may have other definitions, but generally, sake with an alcohol content of about 13% is considered low alcohol.
Comparatively, beer has an average alcohol content of about 5%, so you might think that low-alcohol sake is relatively strong. However, since regular sake usually has an alcohol content of 15%, 8% feels significantly lower, making it very easy to drink.
Please be mindful, as it still contains alcohol, and excessive consumption should be avoided.
There are mainly two methods for producing low-alcohol sake.
- Adding water to the sake after brewing to reduce its alcohol content.
- Stopping the fermentation of the mash at an early stage while it has a low alcohol content.
Although it sounds simple, the latter method requires managing the fermentation process, balancing acidity and sake flavor, and maintaining excellent quality, which requires high skill and experience.
All the low-alcohol sake available at Sakura Town is made with the latter method, paying close attention to quality.
Health Benefits
The recent popularity of low-alcohol beverages is partly due to health concerns. With the spread of COVID-19 and an overall increasing consciousness of healthy living, more and more people are opting for low-alcohol beverages to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Low-alcohol beverages tend to strain blood pressure, heart, and liver less than regular alcoholic drinks. This characteristic has also contributed to its popularity.
Moreover, those who didn't consume alcohol before now enjoy it as a leisure or hobby. For such individuals, low-alcohol sake is the ideal choice.
Recommended Low-Alcohol Sake at Sakura Town
Low-alcohol sake comes in various flavors. Let me introduce some recommendations available at SAKURATOWN.
AFAP
Try the pure rice sake with a 7% alcohol content for a refreshing and sweet taste. You may be surprised by its fruity flavor, making you think we made it from more than just rice. This sake is perfect for beginners, and you can also enjoy it as an aperitif.
Learn more about AFAP
Sake de Swan
Sake de Swan is a pure rice sake designed to pair with meat dishes. With an alcohol content of 8%, it is similar to AFAP but has a more subdued sweetness that allows you to savor the depth of the rice. This one is for you if you're looking for a low-alcohol sake with a milder sweetness.
Learn more about SAKE de SWAN
Bubble
Bubble is a low-alcohol sparkling Japanese sake. With an alcohol content of only 8%, it's always a hit at parties and disappears quickly — a testament to its popularity. It pairs well with any dish, making it a great way to kick off your party! The popularity of sparkling Japanese sake is a recent trend. As a new genre of sake, Bubble is an excellent conversation starter. At Sakura Town, it's our number one repeat purchase product.
Learn more about BUBBLE
Otsumami Set
Our Otsumami Set is the perfect way to experience the unique taste of low-alcohol Japanese sake and discover your new favorite. With two types of sake randomly chosen from three varieties, you'll have the chance to compare and contrast and find your perfect match. We've also selected a range of Japanese-exclusive snacks that will elevate your tasting experience to the next level. This set is great for parties, is sure to impress, and is the perfect excuse to indulge.
Learn more about Otsumami Set
What Does Low-Alcohol Japanese Sake Smell Like?
Japanese sake with low alcohol content has a milder taste than regular sake. This difference is due to the shorter fermentation time, which affects the aroma. We use new techniques to enhance the aroma and compensate for the lost fermentation time.
Japanese sake with a low alcohol content has a mild and pleasant scent that combines fruity notes with the aroma of rice, resulting in a delicate fragrance. The experience of drinking it is less intense, and you can savor its subtle aroma without feeling overwhelmed.
Best Food Pairings for Low-Alcohol Sake
Low-alcohol Japanese sake has the advantage of being a versatile pairing with various dishes from different cuisines, including Japanese staples, meat, fish, Chinese cuisine, sweet desserts, and more. Its sweetness and acidity blend beautifully with the meal's flavor without overpowering it, making it an ideal enhancer.
Sake is excellent to pair with meals and can also be enjoyed as an aperitif before meals or a dessert after. It complements sweets and fruits, and its versatility means it can be appreciated in any situation, offering a unique experience each time.
What is the Best Occasion for Low-Alcohol Sake?
Japanese low-alcohol sake is a versatile drink you can enjoy on many occasions. It's a great choice to offer at parties for those who prefer milder drinks, and it pairs well with a variety of meals whether you're dining alone or with friends at home.
You can indulge a bit from noon if you like it on your days off! There's no right or wrong way to enjoy sake, so go ahead and experiment until you find something that works for you.
Taste the Magic at Sakura Town!
Did you want to know more about low-alcohol Japanese sake? The best way to understand the charm of low-alcohol Japanese sake is to try it. If you're new to sake, start with low-alcohol Japanese sake. Please try the low-alcohol Japanese sake from Sakura Town.
