Arai (rough)
あらいあらい"Arai" (rough) is a term used to describe the character of a sake, mainly the sharpness or roughness felt when the sake is taken into the mouth. It is often used when the umami of the rice comes to the fore while the alcohol is also strongly perceived. Arai sake is generally found in sake that has not yet fully matured in fermentation or ripened, or in sake with a high rice polishing ratio. However, the expression is not necessarily negative, and it can also be used to appreciate a sake's youthfulness and strength.