Otokozake (hard-water, robust sake style)

Otokozake (男酒, literally "male sake") is a style of sake brewed with hard water as the brewing water, which promotes fermentation of the moromi (fermentation mash). As a result, otokozake tends to have slightly higher acidity and a dry character. It is produced mainly in the Nada district, and its robust flavor is popular with many people. In contrast, sake brewed with soft water and fermented slowly over a longer period, giving a sweeter profile, is called onnazake (女酒, "female sake"); it is represented mainly by sake from the Fushimi district. In this way, sake styles differ greatly depending on the type of water used, and each has its own distinctive flavor and character.