What is Nihonshu-do?

This is rather confusing- looking at the name itself you might guess that it has something to do with the alcohol level- at least i did. But it's actually an indication of the sweetness level of the sake.

What is Nihonshu-do 日本酒度？

Nihonshu-do (日本酒度), sometimes is called SMV (Sake Meter Value) in English, is measured with the nihonshu-do meter. The nihonshu-do meter, which is a hydrometer, is placed inside a cylinder of sake with temperature controlled at around 15 degree celsius. When sugar content in the sake is higher, since sugar is of higher density relative to water, the meter will float, giving a negative value; and vice versa.

When acidity remains constant,

The higher the SMV value (positive)--> dryer the sake

The lower the SMV value (negative)--> sweeter the sake

Now that acidity is brought up, yes- acidity will have an impact on our palate in sensing the sweetness level of the sake.

But exactly how acidity impact our palate impression? let's save this for the next post.