noun
sake; Japanese rice wine
Refers specifically to Japanese sake brewed from rice, water, koji mold, and yeast. Distinct from other alcoholic drinks.
日本酒は米から作られる。
Sake is made from rice.
この店は日本酒の種類が豊富だ。
This shop has a wide variety of sake.
焼酎 is a distilled spirit, often made from sweet potato, barley, or rice, whereas 日本酒 is brewed.
Compound of 日本 (Japan) and 酒 (alcoholic drink, sake). The reading にほんしゅ follows standard on'yomi.