If you’re new to Japanese sake and not sure where to start, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many beginners in Singapore wonder which bottle is smooth, easy to drink, and offers good value without being too expensive.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy great sake. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll introduce the easiest sake styles to start with, what flavours to expect, and our top beginner-friendly picks — including bottles under $50 and under $80.

All available chilled and ready for delivery across Singapore.

---

🥂 What Types of Sake Are Best for Beginners?

If you're just starting your sake journey, choose sake that is:

• Smooth, light, and clean

• Not too dry or too sweet

• Low bitterness

• Easy to drink even without food

1) Junmai

Pure rice sake with smooth, round flavour and gentle umami.

2) Ginjo

A little more aromatic, fruity, and clean — very beginner-friendly.

3) Tokubetsu Junmai

“Special Junmai” — clean, refreshing, great value for money.

Avoid (for beginners):

• Very dry sake

• Aged sake (koshu)

• Strong umami styles

• High-acidity or experimental types

---

🍶 Beginner-Friendly Sake Profile

If you’re new to sake, look for bottles with:

• Light fruity aroma (melon, apple, pear)

• Smooth, balanced taste

• Clean finishing (no harsh alcohol burn)

• Moderate sweetness (not too dry)

• 14–15% alcohol

These are the easiest to enjoy, even for first-time drinkers.

---

🟦 Best Sake for Beginners in Singapore — Our Recommendations

Below are curated beginner-friendly bottles from our Value Sake and Premium Selections, chosen for taste, smoothness, and affordability.

---

⭐ 1. Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai

Clean • Smooth • Food-friendly

One of the best beginner-friendly bottles. Light, crisp, and extremely easy to drink — perfect for someone exploring sake for the first time.

Why beginners love it:

• Not too dry

• Smooth and refreshing

• Matches any food

• Great value

---

⭐ 2. Atago no Matsu Tokubetsu Junmai

Refreshing • Bright • Everyday drinking sake

A gentle and soft sake with a pleasant aroma. Very easy to enjoy even for people who rarely drink alcohol.

Why beginners love it:

• Light and delicate

• Beginner’s favourite in many restaurants

• Affordable price

---

⭐ 3. Toyo Bijin Jundo Ichizu 

Elegant • Fruity • Soft finish

A very smooth, modern-style sake with a gentle sweetness. Ideal for beginners who enjoy fruity wines or light alcoholic beverages.

Why beginners love it:

• Beautiful fruity notes

• Very smooth and balanced

• Great introduction to premium sake

---

⭐ 4. Hatsukame Junmai

Soft • Gentle • Traditional flavour

A clean, classic Junmai with comforting rice notes and mild sweetness. A great entry into traditional-style sake.

Why beginners love it:

• No harsh edges

• Gentle flavour

• Very friendly for first-timers

---

🟧 Best Value Sake (Under $50 / Under $80)

For new sake drinkers who prefer to start without spending too much, here are bottles offering strong value:

Under $50

• Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai

• Atago no Matsu Tokubetsu Junmai

• Any seasonal Junmai 

Under $80

• Toyo Bijin Jundo Ichizu

• Premium Ginjo selections

• Light-style Daiginjo 

---

🟨 How Should Beginners Drink Sake?

Serve it chilled (8–12°C)

This brings out the smoothness and gentle aroma.

Use a wine glass

You’ll enjoy the fragrance better.

Pair with simple food

Sushi, sashimi, tempura, grilled fish, or even local dishes like steamed chicken — all pair perfectly.

Drink slowly

Sake is meant to be savoured, not rushed.

---

🟦 Final Tip: Start with Smooth, Clean Flavours

Your first sake experience should be enjoyable, light, and comfortable. Once you discover what you like, you can explore drier, richer, or more aromatic styles.

Browse our full collection of beginner-friendly bottles here:

👉 Value Sake – Affordable Japanese Sake in Singapore

And If you enjoy clean, fruity styles, Sharaku Junmai Ginjo is an excellent choice for beginners.

Delivered chilled, fresh, and ready to enjoy.