sake
Largest Selection of Sake in the Carolinas
Waraji is your go-to location for authentic Japanese drinks with your meal. The Sakes chosen always contain a great variety in both taste and style, something you wouldn’t find at other area Japanese restaurants. Also we have a great selection of Japanese beers to choose from. Just ask your server for drink recommendations to pair well with your meal for the full Waraji experience.
sake
· story time flight · 20
A basic flight to introduce basic varieties of sake such as junmai, ginjo, and nigori.
White Crane
Full bodied & rich, semi-dry with toasted cereal notes and melon. (Junmai) +4
Hyogo · +4
Crysanthemum Water
Clean & balanced with great minerality due to the water source of the region, slight mandarin and persimmon notes. (Ginjo)
Niigata · +2
Dragon God
Bold & rich, fruit forward with hints of white peach & mint, creamy mouthfeel, with a long finish. (Ginjo)
Gunma · -2
Little Lily
Fragrant, light nose of cream and cherry blossom, with a soft milky texture and semi-sweetness. (Nigori)
Hyogo · -11
· pyramid flight · 20
A gradation flight to introduce the basic qualities of filtered sake based on rice polishing.
Living Jewel
Easy to drink, light with fruit & anise aromas & light sweetness. (Junmai)
Kyoto · +6
Drunken Whale
Dry, light and clean with notes of jasmine, salty sea air & fennel. Perfect for sushi. (Tokubetsu)
Kochi · +7
Shrine Water
Flowery, crisp and smooth with aniseed, white blossoms and melon. (Ginjo)
Hyogo · +3
45
Lightly floral with natural rice sweetness, strong aromas of lychee, anise & lilies. (Daiginjo)
Yamaguchi · +3
· tatsunoko flight · 35
A chronological flight featuring various sake pairings for food to enjoy over the course of the meal.
Well of Wisdom
Regional Fushimi water is sourced bringing softness & a tinge of acidity, a perfect apertif sake. (Ginjo)
Kyoto · +1
Black Ice
Notes of pear & melon, harmonious acidity with a clean finish. Pairs with all sushi. (Daiginjo)
Niigata · 0
Single Flame
Robust & earthy in muroka style with spicy clove, candied almond & toasted rice. (Junmai Muroka)
Fukushima · +4
Imperial Landing
Silky soft with low acidity & layered flavors of apricot, plum & raisin. (Aged Daiginjo)
Gifu · +5
· izanagi flight · 35
An advanced flight featuring editor picks of creative heirloom and celebrational style sakes.
Pink Lady
Strawberry & vanilla cactus yeasts blend with unpolished heirloom black rice form a rose sake. (Heirloom Junmai)
Saga · +1
Gold
No carbon filtration treatment, aged 1 year to retain a gold hue, smooth and succulent, a perfect celebration sake. (Unpasteurized Muroka)
Fukui · +1
The Fat Frog
Rare biodynamic style, clean, light, and complex with honeydew, lemon zest, tart pear & excellent minerality. (Biodynamic Ginjo)
Fukushima · +1
Immortal Wing
Muku, meaning pure and innocent, attempts to bring a more modern flavor to daiginjo with vibrant pronounced juicy flavor using local farm rice. (Modern Muroka)
Tochigi · -2
· hot
Traditional, warming, & wonderful.
Classic
Savory elements of baked pear, banana bread, and toasted nuts in a classic house style sake.
5 oz. / 10 oz.
USA · +3
White Crane
Full bodied and rich, semi-dry with toasted cereal notes and melon.
5 oz. / 10 oz. / 60 oz.
Hyogo · +4
White Wall
Elegant umami, lush velvety rich texture with notable minerality & earthy notes.
10 oz.
Hyogo · +2
Seven Spearsmen
Dry, earthy, rich and creamy with hints of grapefruit in a sake from the 3rd oldest brewery in Japan.
10 oz.
Shiga · +4
· sparkling sake
Bright, sweet & refreshing. Effervescence infused sake.
Mio
Festive fruit sweetness with aromas of honeydew, lemongrass, peach, and persimmon.
10 oz.
Nada · -70
Hana Awaka
Meaning sparkling flower, this sake has tangy sweetness, low alcohol content.
8.5 oz.
Hyogo · -60
Blossoms
Rose hips and hibiscus infused. Herbal quality and red berry, with aroma of vanilla and crème brûlée.
10 oz.
Okoyama · -40
· genshu cans
Powerfully rich, undiluted sake in a small package.
Gold Can
Heavier mouthfeel and high octane. Sweet hazelnut notes with steamed rice, melon, and nougat.
7 oz.
Niigata · -4
Ruby Can
Barrel aged, pronounced sweetness and richness with banana, honey, nectar and nuts.
7 oz.
Niigata · -4
Jade Can
First sake made of the year with initial harvest. Spring and summer seasonal nama that is light & fresh with melon & marzipan notes.
7 oz.
Niigata · -3
Onyx Can
Fortified, elegant, and balanced, features a clean rice and mineral mix with gentle sweetness.
7 oz.
Niigata · -2
Way of the Warrior
Tart raspberry, asian pear, and watermelon rind with a hint of white flowers and a spicy finish.
7 oz.
Kyoto · +6.5
· junmai & honjozo
30% polished before brewing, producing rich, umami, and earthy qualities.
Midori
Rich, organic sake that is microfiltered instead of pasteurized to maintain it's savory hazelnut aroma.
10 oz.
USA · +3
Dry Wave
Dry and medium rich, with light cocoa and maple elements, and a smooth finish.
10 oz.
Hyogo · +7
Living Jewel
Easy to drink light sake with fruit and anise aroma, and has a very light sweetness.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Kyoto · +6
Single Flame
Robust earthy flavors in muroka style showcasing spicy clove, candied almond, and toasted rice.
10 oz. / 60 oz.
Fukushima · +4
Super Dry
Extreamly dry and mineral driven. Rice & wet stone aromas dominate with a touch of dried floral & fruit notes for a palate-cleansing finish.
10 oz.
Gunma · +10
Hawk in the Heavens
Rustic, high acid, and yeasty, this dry sake has earthy notes of mixed nuts, and cut grass.
10 oz.
Tochigi · +3
Bamboo Leaf
Made with the special Saikai No. 134 rice and wrapped in bamboo leaf. Medium-dry with flavors of honeydew, pear and a hint of banana. Pairs well with savory dishes.
10 oz.
Saga · +3
Ancient Shrine
Refreshing umami in versatile sake with violet and plum notes and aroma of rice and wet stone.
24 oz.
Shimane · +4.5
Shared Promise
Traditional style junmai with a soft texture and orange blossom aroma.
24 oz.
Kumamoto · 6.5
Pink Lady
Strawberry & vanilla cactus yeasts and completely unpolished heirloom black rice combine to form a balanced rose sake with muted fruit and fig flavors. Perfect as an apertif.
24 oz.
Saga · +1
· kimoto & yamahai
Made using traditional techniques that require great skill with enhanced acidity, umami & flavor.
First Grandchild
Medium body with aromas of apple tart, vanilla, and nutmeg, followed by earthy notes of papaya and plantain. 2012 BTI Gold Medal 91pts.
10 oz.
Yamagata · +2
Black River
Rustic and full bodied, black walnut and prominent acidity, a kimoto style sake made with snow-melt mountain water perfect for hearty dishes.
10 oz.
Nagano · +2
Emperor's Well
Robust umami-driven flavors, cereal grain and cremini mushroom notes in a light airy structure. Pairs great with tempura dishes.
10 oz.
Niigata · +2
Marigold
Using special marigold yeast and omachi rice, strong hints of floral character, lemon citrus acid, and a dry, crisp finish.
24 oz.
Saga · +4
Rhododendron Petal
A daiginjo made in the kimoto style featuring rhododendron yeast and omachi rice, a gambit of flavors like clover, honeydew, and sweet rice.
24 oz.
Saga · +1
Cedar Spice
A nod to Edo tradition, this special occasion sake is aged in cedar barrels and features opulent and complex aromas of vanilla, black pepper, smoke, and cedar.
24 oz.
Hyogo · +5
· tokubetsu
Sake featuring unique elements, usually a higher rice polish, special rice type, or exceptional yeast.
Drunken Whale
Dry, light, and clean in texture with complex notes of jasmine, salty sea air & fresh fennel. The perfect pairing for sashimi.
10 oz. / 24 oz. / 60 oz.
Kochi · +7
Mt. Adatara
Light to medium body with strawberry, sweet hay, and mineral notes. Balance between stout junmai and refined ginjo styles.
10 oz.
Fukushima · 0
Snow Shadow
Well balanced medium body sake with earthy nut and floral hints. Bold Niigata prototypical style great for heavier dishes.
10 oz.
Niigita · +5
Dreamscape
Fresh and light flavors of melon, almond, and mochi with an enveloping finish.
24 oz.
Fukushima · +2
Endless Summer
Light, bright, and refreshing, with high minerality. Surfer style honjozo "session sake" with flavors of salted melon, grape, and cocoa.
24 oz.
Kanagawa · Undisclosed
· nigori · flavored sake
Lightly filtered, leaving rice solids behind (moromi), creating a rich, creamy texture.
Silky Mild
Sweeter nigori with characteristic banana, vanilla, and melon aromas in a classic well balanced house style nigori.
12 oz.
USA · -20
Creme
Semi-sweet, milky white sake with characteristic of melon, marshmallow, cream with wholesome texture.
10 oz.
USA · -15
Little Lily
Fragrant, light nose of cream and cherry blossom, with a soft milky texture and semi-sweetness.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Hyogo · -11
Perfect Snow
Closest thing to doboroku available. A high alchohol & profusely creamy sake with coconut like texture. Flavors of sweet coconut rice, vanilla & ripe melon.
10 oz.
Niigata · -19
Snow Maiden
Thick and full bodied, slightly drier nigori that features fresh fruit flavors, and chewy rice texture.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Kyoto · +1
White Water Village
Sasanigori featuring unfiltered sake blended with moromi until lightly cloudy. Fine and delicate, it is dry in style with rich rice flavors & earthy notes.
10 oz.
Gifu · +1.5
Sakura in the Snow
A unique rosé nigori with a dusting of nigori settlement. Mouth-filling with fruity flavors, marzipan, sakura-mochi & lingering umami.
24 oz.
Saga · +2
Silver Otter
Exceptionally rare, dry and fruity unfiltered sake. Light and airy with elegant flavors of lilies, lychee & fennel notes.
10 oz. / 24oz.
Yamaguchi · +3
Lychee / White Peach
Lightly cloudy sake with a silky texture. Infused with real lychee or white peach fruit flavors to balance the sweetness.
12oz.
USA · -30
· ginjo
40% or more of the rice is polished away, creating a balance of floral and richer, earthy flavors.
Katana
Longer than normal brewing process results in medium dry sake with sweet orange notes and umami.
6 oz.
Shizuoka · +5
Blossoms
Medium body ginjo, slightly dry with notes of floral rose water.
10 oz.
USA · +3
Shrine Water
Flowery, crisp, and smooth, with aniseed, white blossoms & melon aromas.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Hyogo · +3
Hana
Made using yeast from yellow cherry blossoms, it is lightly sweet with fruity aromas and pairs well with spicy sushi.
10 oz.
Kyoto · -8
Pure Dawn
Clear and creamy filtered sake with notes of pear, fuji apple, and orange zest.
10 oz.
Akita · +3
Peace Lily
Filtered snowmelt and rainwater form a well rounded and heady satin mouthfeel with hints of honey, pear, and pistachios.
10 oz.
Gunma · +4
55
One of the only sakes to use the very rare watari bune rice, features nutty and ripe fruit flavors and bright acidity on the finish.
10 oz.
Ibaraki · +3
Chrysanthemum Water
Perfectly clean, balanced ginjo, with excellent minerality due to the source water of the region, with slight mandarin and persimmon notes.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Niigata · +2
Pride of Hida
Soft and smooth texture, but with bold flavor notes of apricot and cocoa. Medium to rich density.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Gifu · +5
Winter Warrior
First brewery of the famous Niigata prefecture, features plush round fruit flavors and lightly aromatic melon and fennel.
10 oz.
Niigita · -1
Mystery
"Kirei" style sake, meaning it is subtle and elegant, with a delicate flavor of candied fruit that is lower in aroma.
10 oz.
Hiroshima · +3
Cabin in the Snow
Limited release ginjo with vivid acidity and ripe fruit notes of strawberry and mango without being overly sweet.
10 oz.
Akita · +1
Well of Wisdom
Regional Fushimi water is sourced for characteristic softness with a tinge of acidity, making this the "perfect apertif sake."
24 oz.
Kyoto · +1
Dragon God
Bold and rich sake, fruit forward with hints of white peach and mint, followed by creamy mouthfeel and a long finish.
10 oz. / 24 oz. / 60 oz.
Gunma · -2
Dancing Gold Flakes
Celebrational style sake that is medium body and mellow, with hints of stone fruit and black tea flavor containing gold flakes said to "bring fortune."
10 oz.
Saitama · +1
The Fat Frog
Very rare biodynamic style sake that is clean, light, and complex with layers of honeydew, lemon zest, tart pear combined with excellent minerality.
24 oz.
Fukushima ·+1
Flying Horse
Full bodied to almost buttery, a versatile three temperature ginjo, with notes of crushed leaves and mushroom. Pairs with hearty nabe style dishes.
24 oz.
Niigata · +5
Better Fortune
Viscous and creamy base, a celebration style sake with rich fruit flavors of honeydew, melon, and pear .
24 oz.
Shizuoka · +5
1000 Dreams
Velvety mouthfeel with a modest bouquet & aromas of mineral & spice. Tropical & stone fruit flavors with delicate confected notes.
24 oz.
Niigata · +5
1000 Snowflakes
Balanced with an elegant, refreshing taste and gentle aroma. Hints of tartness and a crisp finish.
24 oz.
Niigata · +3
Azure
Powerfully fermented sake using filtered deep seawater from the Kochi coast resulting in a lower minerality sake that is still fruity acidic with a sharp finish.
24 oz.
Kochi · +5
Double Bloom
Lush and fruity sake based on two different types of yeast, with expressions of succulent peach, melon, and aromatic spice.
24 oz.
Ibaraki · +2
· daiginjo sakes
Highest rice polish, minimum of 50%, creates a light, refined, smooth, fragrant & delicate sake.
Soaring Clouds
Velvet smooth with fruity aromas & fennel notes, made from the natural spring water from Miyamizu.
10 oz.
Hyogo · +2
Nothingness
Soft with low acidity and complexity, nose of coconut and pineapple, followed by refreshing flavors of asian pear and hint of resin. Pairs with lightly flavored foods.
10 oz.
Hyogo · +1
Horin
Medium creamy body and mild fruity aromas of cantaloupe and honeysuckle.
10 oz.
Kyoto · +2
45
Featuring three types of rice, delicate and dry, moderately acidic, with aromas of pear, rose, vanilla, and almond.
10 oz.
Niigata · +4
White Dragon
Features two types of rice and underground water. Soft and round texture, featuring fruity flavors with white pepper. 14 years consecutive gold medals.
10 oz.
Niigata · +4
45
Using rice milled down to 45% of it's original size, it is lightly floral with natural rice sweetness. A prototypical daiginjo with soaring aromas of lychee, anise and lilies.
10 oz. / 24 oz. / 60 oz.
Yamaguchi · +3
39
A "best of both worlds" balance between the milled 23 and 45 varieties. Higher acidity and notes of ripe pineapples, mangos, apples, pears & lingering umami.
24 oz.
Yamaguchi · +3
Black Ice
Notes of pear and melon, with a harmonious acidity and pleasant mouthfeel create a clean and comfortable finish, pairing with all sushi.
24 oz.
Niigata · 0
Immortal Wing
Muku, meaning pure and innocent, attempts to bring a more modern flavor to daiginjo with vibrant pronounced juicy flavor using local farm rice.
24 oz.
Tochigi · -2
Gold
No carbon filtration treatment, and one year aging before blending, retain this daiginjo's characteristic gold hue, smoothness, and succulent fruit flavors. Perfect as a celebration sake.
24 oz.
Fukui · +1
Soul of the Sensei
Elegant, full bodied and rich, with a touch of astringency. Notes of dried apple, melon, and peach in this tribute sake to brewmaster sensei Hase Toji, who perfected the Shizuoka style.
24 oz.
Shizuoka · +5
Icehouse
Aged 3 years by 1000 tons of Niigata snow. Smooth, rich and yet mellow; with soft sublime fruit & floral aromas.
24 oz.
Niigata · -1
Junmai Daiginjo
Using airtight, low temperature brewing methods, trades out aromatic qualities for a rare, long lasting aftertaste featuring apricot, green apple, prune, and exotic spice.
24 oz.
Akita · +1
Pleasureful Family
Rare shizukushibori style sake where hanging mash drips under gravity. Strawberry nose and structured flavor of cherry blossom and almond flower.
24 oz.
Fukuoka · +1
Imperial Landing
Silky soft aged sake with low acidity and layered flavors of apricot, plum, and raisin.
10 oz.
Gifu · +5
· rare & exceptional
These sakes are revered in Japan for their unique rice types, and extreme polishing techniques.
Diamond in the Rough
Famously rare shinriki rice at a low polish for a bolder flavor. Umami rich with balanced acidity, bursting with flavors of pear, citrus pith, biscuit dough & white pepper.
24 oz.
Hiroshima · +5
Umami
Very full bodied, unpasteurized & undiluted nama genshu style sake, retaining smooth and soft umami with floral, fruit & marzipan notes.
24 oz.
Fukui · +4
Hidden Truth
The flagship of Niigata, with a worldwide cult following. Plush forward texture with fuji apple, tart pear, and honeysuckle flavors followed by the phantom finish.
24 oz.
Niigata · +2
23
Yamadanishiki rice polished down to a remarkable 23%. The apex of polishing techniques result in crisp sake with refined aromas of honey, gardenia, mineral, tropical fruit & spice.
10 oz. / 24 oz.
Yamaguchi · +4
Wing of Japan
Aged for two years under zero degrees celsius. Clean, floral, delicate & soft as the wing of a dove.
24 oz.
Fukui · +3
18th Generation
Traditional drip pressed shizukuzake style, satin texture with delicate waves of fruity lightness, sea salt, and a carnation fragrance.
24 oz.
Fukushima · +5
33
Undiluted & drip collected by gravity - a method used for only the finest sakes. Smooth, rich texture, with aroma of green melon, lilies, and pear.
24 oz.
Fukuoka · +3
Beyond
Effusively aromatic with intense depth, delicacy & grace. Smooth & umami rich with blossoms, tropical fruit & a signature Dassai spice, at a rumored 8% polish.
24 oz.
Yamaguchi · Undisclosed
Zenith
The height of sake polishing at only 1% remaining. Light & sweet with notes of melon and apricot.
24 oz.
Yamagata · -2