Nikyushu (second-grade sake)

Nikyushu (second-grade sake) was one of the classifications formerly used for Japanese sake. Together with tokkyu (special-grade) and ikkyu (first-grade) sake, it was one of the grades indicating the quality of seishu (refined sake). This system was established under the Liquor Tax Act and classified alcoholic beverages according to quality, flavor, and production method. However, a legal revision on April 1, 1989 abolished the grading system, and today both quality labeling and production methods are diverse. As a result, the nikyushu category no longer exists in the current Japanese sake market.