Shikisawa (color and clarity of sake)

Shikisawa refers to the color and clarity of sake, and is one of the important factors in evaluating its quality. In general, young sake shows a pale yellow hue, which is mainly due to flavins, a component derived from the rice used as the raw material. As time passes, particularly during storage, melanoidins, brown-colored substances, increase, and aged sake (koshu) may take on a reddish tinge. For this reason, shikisawa also serves as a clue to the maturity and condition of a sake, and is an important reference for drinkers when choosing sake.