Mizu Yodan (water added after the final mash addition)

Mizu yodan refers to the water added to the moromi (fermentation mash) after the final addition of ingredients (tome shikomi) in the sake brewing process. This water plays an important role in adjusting the alcohol content and flavor that sake requires. Specifically, it is used to refine the quality of the sake, so that the moromi, once fermentation has progressed, takes on a character like that of white wine. Mizu yodan is an important element that brewers add with balance in mind, and it is closely tied to the final taste and aroma of the sake.