Last Updated on October 2024
Looking for the best sparkling sake? Look no further! Our top pick is the Hakkaisan “AWA” Clear Sparkling, a delightful alternative to champagne with a subtly sweet flavor and natural notes of fruit.
As a seasoned sake advisor with years of experience in the industry, I’ve tasted my fair share of sakes and this one truly stands out. But don’t just take our word for it, read on to find out more!
Best Overall
Hakkaisan “AWA” Clear Sparkling
A delightful alternative to champagne with a light sweetness and fruit flavor.
- ✅ Sake Classification: Junmai Daiginjo
- ✅ Aroma & Flavor: Sweet fruit flavor
- ✅ Sake Meter Value: -5 (Slight Sweetness)
- ✅ Acidity Level: 1.4 (Average Acidity)
Runner-up
Shirakabegura “Mio”
A playful carbonation that delivers pleasing flavors of pear and grape.
- ✅ Sake Classification: Junmai
- ✅ Aroma & Flavor: Pear and grape
- ✅ Sake Meter Value: -70 (VERY Sweet)
- ✅ Acidity Level: 4 (High Acidity)
Best High-End
Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling”
A fine ginjo scent and a surprisingly distinct umami aftertaste.
- ✅ Sake Classification: Junmai Ginjo
- ✅ Aroma & Flavor: Fine ginjo scent
- ✅ Sake Meter Value: -20 (Sweet)
- ✅ Acidity Level: 1.6 (Slightly Acidic)
Now that we’ve introduced our top picks, let’s dive a little deeper into what makes each of these sparkling sakes special.
Hakkaisan Awa: The Best Sparkling Sake
When it comes to sparkling sake, Hakkaisan Awa is a true standout. This premium sake is a delightful blend of Japanese tradition and French sophistication, making it a unique addition to any sake lover’s collection. Its secondary fermentation process, reminiscent of champagne production, gives it a delightful effervescence that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious beginner, Hakkaisan Awa is a sparkling sake that’s sure to impress.
Now, let me take you back to my days as a sake advisor in a bustling restaurant. Working in a restaurant can be a whirlwind of activity. There’s always something to do, someone to serve, and a new challenge to tackle. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there are moments of pure joy.
I fondly remember a family of regular guests who would visit every winter for their vacation. They were the life of the party, always spreading cheer and good vibes. Their tradition? Buying a round of sake bombs for the entire staff. Imagine a dozen glasses of beer and sake lined up on the bar, ready for a festive toast. It was a sight to behold!
One winter night, they came in with some friends and asked for a special sake, something they hadn’t tried before. I immediately thought of Hakkaisan Awa. This family knew how to enjoy their food, always ordering extravagant platters of sashimi, nigiri, and omakases. But the Hakkaisan Awa took their feast to a whole new level. It was like adding a touch of luxury to an already grand party.
Hakkaisan Awa Sparkling: Our Favorite Sparkling Sake!
The charm of Hakkaisan Sparkling lies in its unique production process. It undergoes secondary fermentation right inside the bottle, a method that’s akin to how champagne is made. This in-bottle fermentation, or as we sake connoisseurs like to call it, “the bubble maker,” gives Hakkaisan Awa its delightful effervescence. But it’s not just about the bubbles; it’s about the quality of them. Just like a bottle of champagne, renowned for its million-bubble charm, Hakkaisan Awa boasts fine bubbles that contribute to its exquisite mouthfeel. It’s like a fizzy party in your mouth, where every bubble is a VIP guest.
PROS
- Unique Flavor Profile: Offers a unique blend of flavors, from its fruity aroma to its refreshing taste and gentle sweetness. It’s a multi-layered tasting experience that sets it apart from other sakes.
- Champagne-Style Fermentation: The secondary fermentation process gives its delightful effervescence and fine bubbles, adding a touch of sophistication to your sake experience.
- Versatile Pairing: Pairs well with a variety of dishes, from sushi to grilled seafood and light salads, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
- Special Occasion Sake: With its premium quality and elegant presentation it is perfect for toasting special occasions or gifting.
CONS
- Price: It is more expensive than other options. However, the unique experience it offers can justify the price for many sake enthusiasts.
- Availability: May need to be ordered online.
Final Thoughts
In the world of sparkling sake, Hakkaisan Awa is a shining star. Its unique production process, delightful effervescence, and balanced flavors make it a top choice for any sake lover. As the my favorite sparkling sake, I highly recommend giving Hakkaisan Awa a try. You can read more about it with our in-depth review at Hakkaisan Sparkling Sake Review, or purchase it at Tippsy.
Mio Sparkling Sake: The Sweet Runner Up
Mio Sparkling Sake is a delightful addition to the sparkling sake world. This sake, produced by Takara Sake USA, is known for its bright, fruity aromas and gentle effervescence. It’s a sweet sake that’s not just about taste, but about creating memorable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of sake, Mio Sparkling Sake is a choice you won’t regret.
Mio Sparkling: The Most Popular Sparkling Sake
Mio Sparkling Sake is a celebration in a bottle. It’s bright with aromas of peach, ripe persimmon, freesia, and fresh bread. Its gentle effervescence creates a refreshing piquancy in the mouth, setting off flavors of pear and peach, with accents of yellow rose and baking spice. It’s a sparkling sake that’s not just about the bubbles, but the symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
PROS
- Affordable: Mio is the most affordable option on our list, making it an everyday favorite!
- Fruity and Floral Aromas: Mio Sparkling Sake is known for its bright, fruity aromas of peach and persimmon, complemented by floral notes of freesia and yellow rose.
- Refreshing Effervescence: The gentle effervescence of Mio Sparkling Sake creates a refreshing piquancy in the mouth, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
- Versatile Pairing: Mio Sparkling Sake pairs well with a variety of dishes, from hors d’oeuvres to many cheeses, light meat, and lightly sweet main courses. It’s also great with creamy white sauces, as well as spicy dishes.
CONS
- Sweetness: Mio is one of the sweetest sakes, depending on your taste you may want to try a drier sake.
- Alcohol: This is also subjective. Mio is one of the lowest alcohol content sakes, at only 5%, making it comparable to a lager beer in strength.
- Availability: Depending on your location, Mio Sparkling Sake may not be readily available in local stores and may need to be ordered online.
Final Thoughts
If you have a sweet tooth, then Mio Sparkling Sake is the one for you. It’s the sweetest of the sparkling sakes on our list, but don’t let that fool you. Its sweetness is perfectly balanced, making it a favorite among many guests at the restaurant. We used to sell cases of it every week!
Mio’s versatility is another feather in its cap. We used it in a specialty cocktail, included it on our sake flights, and sold it by the glass. It was a hit in every form. And the best part? It’s one of the most affordable picks. You can purchase it here.
So, if you’re looking for a sparkling sake that offers great value for money and a delightful taste, Mio Sparkling Sake is a fantastic choice. It’s a sparkling sake that truly sparkles, in every sense of the word.
Nanbu Bijin “Awa”: The Best High End Sparkling Sake
Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling” is a sparkling sake that truly deserves its place in the limelight. As the third choice in our lineup, this sake, produced by the esteemed Nanbu Bijin brewery, is a luxurious blend of traditional brewing techniques and innovative flavors. It’s not just a sake; it’s an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of sake, splurging on Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling” is a decision you won’t regret.
Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling”
Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling” is a symphony of flavors. It graces your senses with a fine ginjo scent and a surprisingly distinct umami aftertaste. This sake uses a secondary fermentation process to produce those buoyant bubbles that deliver bursts of flavor to your palate. Unlike many bubbly drinks, like Champagne, that add sugar after filtering, Nanbu Bijin AWA lets the sake remain true to itself. This prevents the sake from being overly sweet and lets the umami and dry qualities shine through.
PROS
- Distinct Umami Aftertaste: Known for its distinct umami aftertaste, which sets it apart from other sparkling sakes.
- Secondary Fermentation: The secondary fermentation process gives it a delightful effervescence.
- True to Its Roots: Unlike many other sparkling drinks it does not have added sugar after filtering, allowing the sake’s natural flavors to shine through.
CONS
- Price: As a premium sparkling sake, it is more expensive than other types of sake. However, the unique experience it offers can justify the price for many sake enthusiasts.
- Availability: Depending on your location it may need to be ordered online.
Final Thoughts
In the sparkling sake arena, Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling” is a true treasure. Its unique flavor profile, delightful effervescence, and commitment to traditional brewing techniques make it a top choice for any sake lover. As our most expensive option, it’s a luxurious treat that’s worth every penny. If you’re looking to indulge in a premium sake experience, Nanbu Bijin “AWA Sparkling” is the way to go.
Fukucho “Seaside”: The ‘Bolder’ Sparkling Sake
Fukucho “Seaside” is a sparkling sake that is sure to make a splash at any gathering. This sake, produced by the esteemed Fukucho brewery, is a testament to the art of traditional brewing, offering a unique blend of flavors that is sure to delight any sake enthusiast. Fukucho Seaside is a genshu style sake, which means it is undiluted and has a stronger flavor, making it an excellent choice for people who like bold flavors.
Fukucho: A ‘Bold’ Runner Up
Fukucho “Seaside” is a sparkling sake that undergoes a secondary fermentation process right inside the bottle. This process, similar to the one used in champagne production, gives this sake its delightful effervescence. The result is a sake with a crisp, refreshing finish and a fine ginjo scent. The unique blend of citrus notes and umami aftertaste sets this sake apart from the rest.
PROS
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of citrus notes and umami aftertaste makes Fukucho “Seaside” a unique and delightful experience.
- Secondary Fermentation: The secondary fermentation process gives Fukucho “Seaside” its delightful effervescence, similar to that of champagne.
- Genshu Style: Fukucho “Seaside” does not add water after filtering, allowing the sake’s natural flavors to shine through and creating bolder flavors.
CONS
- Price: Fukucho “Seaside” is a premium sparkling sake and may be more expensive than other types of sake.
- Availability: Depending on your location, Fukucho “Seaside” may not be readily available in local stores and may need to be ordered online.
Final Thoughts
For those who crave bold flavors, Fukucho Seaside Sparkling Sake is a must-try. This is not your average sparkling sake. It’s a Genshu style sake, which means it’s undiluted and packs a punch in terms of flavor.
Its unique flavor profile is matched by its delightful effervescence, making every sip a memorable experience. What sets Fukucho “Seaside” apart is its commitment to traditional brewing techniques, which shines through in its quality and taste.
While it didn’t make our top 3, it’s still a fantastic choice for any sake lover. So, if you’re ready to explore the bolder side of sparkling sake, I highly recommend giving Fukucho “Seaside” a try. You can purchase it here.
Choya Sparkling Plum Wine: A Great Alternative
Choya Sparkling Sake is a delightful surprise that’s sure to add a fruity twist to your Japanese beverage experience. While it’s not technically a sake, this unique sparkling plum wine, produced by the renowned Choya Umeshu brewery, is so delightful that we felt it deserved a mention. It’s a fantastic aperitif that brings a refreshing change to the traditional sake lineup.
The Best Sparkling Plum Wine
Choya “Sparkling Plum Wine” is a delectable drink that’s fragrant, fun, and perfect for a chic brunch or classy dinner. The wine is delivered in a charming bottle stopped with a cork, adding to its appeal.
PROS
- Affordable: The most affordable choice on our list.
- Versatility: Can be served at a variety of events, from a chic brunch to a classy dinner.
- Attractive Packaging: The charming bottle and cork stopper add to the overall appeal.
CONS
- Availability: Depending on your location, it may not be readily available in local stores and may need to be ordered online.
- Sweetness: Like Mio Sparkling Sake, this is a sweeter choice and does not appeal to all palates.
Final Thoughts
Choya “Sparkling Plum Wine” is a sparkling sake that truly stands out. Its unique flavor profile, versatility, and attractive packaging make it a top choice for any sake lover who wants to try something different.
The Best Sparkling Sake Brand
Whether you’re a fan of the more “sophisticated” taste of Hakkaisan Sparkling (no pretentiousness intended, we promise!) or the affordable and popular Shirakabegura “Mio”, there’s a sparkling sake out there for everyone. So why not give one a try? You might just find your new favorite drink.
Remember, the best sake is the one you enjoy drinking. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new brands and types. You never know, you might just stumble upon your next favorite drink. Cheers!
Hakkaisan: The Best Sparkling Sake
Our Favorite Choice!
Hakkaisan Awa stands out for its in-bottle secondary fermentation, similar to champagne. These fine bubbles and exquisite mouthfeel make it feel like a VIP party on your palate. It pairs well with various dishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal and special occasions.
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