What is unfiltered sake commonly referred to as?

Unfiltered sake is commonly referred to as Nigori-zake. This type of sake has a cloudy appearance due to the presence of rice particles that remain in the liquid after fermentation. The actual filtration process is minimal, allowing for a rich, creamy texture and a unique flavor profile that is distinctive from other types of sake. Nigori-zake often has a slightly sweeter taste due to the residual sugars and can exhibit fruity or floral notes, making it a popular choice among sake enthusiasts who appreciate its character and depth.

The other options represent different classifications of sake based on the rice polishing ratio and brewing methods. For instance, Junmai is a pure rice sake without added alcohol, Ginjo refers to sake made with rice that has been polished to 60% or less, and Daiginjo is an even more refined version polished to 50% or less. These terms do not refer to the filtration status of the sake, distinguishing them from the characteristic of Nigori-zake.