NIGORI
Cloudy, Creamy, And Comforting
Nigori is the most recognizable unfiltered style of sake, known for its signature milky appearance and lush texture. Though visually striking, it’s surprisingly versatile—ranging from lightly sweet to semi-dry. Nigori delivers rich flavor, soft body, and a crowd-pleasing balance of fruit and rice notes.
Key Characteristics
Nigori offers bold texture and mellow sweetness, perfect for sipping or pairing with spicy and savory dishes.
Style
Sake (Unfiltered)
Body
Medium to full
Acidity
Low to medium
Primary Ingredients
Rice, water, yeast, koji (with some remaining rice solids)
Typical Flavors
Coconut, banana, melon, steamed rice, cream, tropical fruit
Origin & History
Nigori (“cloudy”) sake has ancient roots in Japan, evoking early rustic brews made before fine filtration methods. Today, it remains a nostalgic yet modern favorite. While often considered casual or introductory sake, skilled brewers craft versions with structure and nuance.
How It’s Made
Unlike most sake, Nigori is only coarsely filtered—allowing some rice particles and sediment to remain in the bottle. These solids give Nigori its creamy appearance and fuller mouthfeel. The sake is usually pasteurized and lightly sweetened for balance, though drier versions also exist.
Notable Regions
Nigori is made across Japan, but commonly found styles include:
Kyoto
Light and elegant interpretations
Hyogo
Richer, creamier styles
Niigata
More balanced, clean finishes
Food Pairings
Nigori’s sweetness and texture work beautifully with spicy, rich, or creamy dishes.
Spicy Dishes
Thai curry, Korean BBQ, buffalo wings
Creamy Dishes
Coconut soup, mac & cheese, soft cheeses
Desserts
Mango sticky rice, mochi, almond cookies
Savory Snacks
Fried chicken, tempura, charcuterie
How to Serve It
Glassware
Small ceramic cup (ochoko) or a tumbler
Temperature
Well-chilled (40–45°F / 4–7°C) to highlight freshness
Storage
Refrigerated, shaken gently before pouring to redistribute sediments
Fun Fact
Nigori is often called “sake’s dessert wine,” though not all styles are sweet—some modern producers are crafting dry Nigori that pairs well with savory food.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of premium sake, showcasing purity, balance, and regional expression through precise brewing techniques.
Dassai
A leading innovator in modern sake, known for its refined Junmai Daiginjo Nigori, offering elegance, aromatic depth, and smooth texture.
Recommended Pours
Dassai 45 - Junmai Daiginjo Nigori (720ml) — A lightly cloudy, ultra-premium sake with delicate sweetness, creamy texture, and notes of melon, pear, and rice.