Jozo Alcohol

Question 1

What the the requirements of Jozo alcohol?

Answer 1

It must be distilled from an alcoholic beverage fermented from raw materials of agricultural origin

Question 2

Name 2 common ingredients of Jozo alcohol

Answer 2

1. Rice based & locally made
2. Common source is molasses and/or grains from Brazil

Question 3

What is the strength of Jozo alcohol?

Answer 3

• Distilled like vodka to 95% to attain purity
• Stored at 30-40% to lower risk of fire

Question 4

When is Jozo alcohol added?

Answer 4

It is added to fermentation tank before filtration

Question 5

How much Jozo alcohol can be added for premium sakes?

Answer 5

10%

Question 6

How much Jozo alcohol can be added for Futsu-shu?

Answer 6

50%

Including any other flavour improving additives

Question 7

Name 3 components of Futsu-shu that can be adjusted before filtration

Answer 7

1. Sweetness (glucose or other permitted sugars)
2. Acidity ( permitted organic acids)
3. Umami (permitted amino acids)

Question 8

Name 2 reasons for adding Jozo alcohol

Answer 8

1. Increased expression of aromas
2. Lighter palate

⇓

• lower sugar, acidity & umami
• lighter body
• shorter & cleaner finish (kire)

Question 9

How does Jozo alcohol affect aromas?

Answer 9

• Many aromatic compounds are more soluble in alcohol than in water
• Raising alcohol level means more are carried into the sake than being left behind in the kasu