Honjozo

Honjozo is one of the special designation sake categories (tokutei meisho-shu) established under Japan's Liquor Tax Act. It is made from white rice polished to a rice polishing ratio of 70% or less, rice koji, brewer's alcohol, and water. It is required to be a sake of excellent flavor, aroma, and color. A particularly important point is that the amount of brewer's alcohol used is limited to no more than 10% of the weight of the white rice. Among the special designation sakes that do not carry "Junmai" in their name, Honjozo uses rice, rice koji, and brewer's alcohol as its basic ingredients, and it is produced in accordance with the manufacturing method and quality labeling standards. The name is standardized as "Honjozo-shu," and the older designations "Honzukuri-shu" and "Honjikomi-shu" may not be used. This makes it easier for consumers to understand that Honjozo is a high-quality sake and to enjoy its flavor.