Japanese Sake

Craft sake from small Japanese breweries: junmai, ginjo and daiginjo, cloudy nigori, fresh nama, sparkling sake and rustic doburoku. Serve chilled with food or gently warmed on a cold evening.

Sake is brewed from polished rice, water, yeast and koji, and the degree of polishing defines its style. Junmai uses only rice and water; ginjo and daiginjo are polished further for fragrant, fruity elegance; nigori is unfiltered and cloudy; nama is unpasteurised and fresh; and doburoku is a rustic, unpressed style.

We specialise in sake from small breweries, including Zao, Tenjō Mugen, Kenkonichi, Hirotogawa, Miyakanbai, Koueigiku, Emishiki and Harukasumi. Serve ginjo and nama sake chilled in a wine glass, enjoy fuller junmai styles at room temperature or gently warmed, and keep opened bottles in the fridge. Come by our Utrecht shop or join a sake tasting for a personal recommendation.

Bottle of Zao Junmai Ginjo sake, from the Japanese sake range at Daan's Drinks

Frequently asked questions about sake

Where can I buy sake in Utrecht?

At Daan’s Drinks on the Vismarkt 2, right by the Dom Tower. We stock a changing selection of sake from small Japanese breweries. Come in and we’ll help you choose, or order online and collect your order with Click & Collect.

How do you serve sake?

Serve ginjo, daiginjo and nama chilled, ideally in a wine glass. Fuller junmai is lovely at room temperature or gently warmed. Keep an opened bottle in the fridge and drink it within a few weeks.

Is sake a good gift?

Definitely. A bottle of sake is a surprising gift for someone who has tasted a lot already. Tell us what they like and we’ll help you choose, and we’re happy to gift-wrap it.

Can I taste sake before I buy?

Yes. In the shop, if we have a bottle open, we’re happy to let you taste before you choose, and at our tastings you can try several styles side by side.