Arai

【English】

“Rough “

【Japanese】

あらい

A descriptor used when the sake makes a harsh impression on the palate. Although subjective impressions may vary, it is frequently used of sake with an overly-alcoholic feel, with some defect of taste or aroma, or with high levels of acids and amino acids. Always used in a negative sense. Sake with balanced umami making a gentle impression is described by the effectively opposite term kirei.