Doburoku vs. Amazake vs. Makgeolli—What’s the Difference?
1.What exactly are Doburoku, Amazake, and Makgeolli?
You’ve probably heard that fermented foods are good for your health, but did you know that Japan has a variety of fermented drinks as well?
This time, we’re highlighting three of the most popular fermented drinks you can find in Japan: Doburoku, Amazake, and Makgeolli! We’ll break down their differences and unique characteristics, so if you’re unsure which one to try during your trip to Japan, this guide is for you!
2. The Differences Between Doburoku, Amazake, and Makgeolli
- Doburoku
| Main Ingredients | Rice, rice malt, water |
| Alcohol Content | Around 10% |
| Flavor Characteristics | Rich with sweetness and acidity (traditional unfiltered sake with a bold taste) |
| Brewing Method | Fermented without filtering the mash |
| Health & Beauty Benefits | Supports gut health |
| Where to Drink | Sake breweries, izakayas |
- Amazake
| Main Ingredients | Rice malt, rice, water |
| Alcohol Content | 0% or less than 1% |
| Flavor Characteristics | Sweet and easy to drink (available as a non-alcoholic option, great for health-conscious people) |
| Brewing Method | Fermented rice malt non-alcoholic drink |
| Health & Beauty Benefits | Promotes healthy skin, helps with fatigue recovery |
| Where to Drink | Supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines, shrines & temples |
- Makgeolli
| Main Ingredients | Rice, wheat malt, water |
| Alcohol Content | Around 6% |
| Flavor Characteristics | Light acidity and sweetness (Korean fermented alcohol, easy to enjoy in Japan) |
| Brewing Method | Traditional Korean unfiltered alcohol |
| Health & Beauty Benefits | Supports fat digestion |
| Where to Drink | Supermarkets, Korean restaurants, izakayas |
3. Where Can You Buy Them During Your Trip to Japan?
- If You Want to Buy Doburoku:
You can often find doburoku at sake breweries and roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) across Japan, with some places even offering tastings. It’s also worth checking department stores and liquor shops for regional limited-edition varieties.
- If You Want to Buy Amazake:
Easily available at supermarkets and convenience stores, and you can even find it in vending machines, making it a convenient option while traveling. In winter, shrines and temples often sell amazake along their approach roads, so be sure to grab a warm cup while visiting!
- If You Want to Buy Makgeolli:
Makgeolli is commonly found at Korean grocery stores and supermarkets that carry imported foods. If you’re dining out, Korean restaurants often serve it by the glass or bottle, making it a great drink to pair with a meal!
4. Tasting Review
Doburoku
This time, we tried ‘Yuzu no Yama’! It’s been trending on social media as an ‘easy-to-drink’ option, so we had to get my hands on it.
The verdict? A fan favorite! The refreshing yuzu aroma makes it super smooth, with less of the strong doburoku taste, making it easy for beginners to enjoy. It’s also great as a cocktail mixer!
A must-try for yuzu lovers! Personally, we found that mixing it with tonic water makes it even more refreshing!
Amazake
We also tried ‘Kokushou Brewery’s Amazake’!
Made only with rice and rice malt, it has a naturally sweet flavor. It’s amazing how sweet it is without any added sugar!
Amazake is well-known as a healthy drink, often called a “drinkable IV drip” due to its rich nutritional content. Its gentle sweetness makes for a comforting and soothing taste.
It has a rich, velvety texture that makes you feel satisfied! Definitely a drink to enjoy little by little.
Makgeolli
This time, I tried three types of Makgeolli from Kooksoondang: ‘Cheong Mil Prebiotic Makgeolli,’ ‘Rice Makgeolli Muscat,’ and ‘Rice Makgeolli Banana.
Makgeolli has a refreshing fizz, and its bubbly texture makes it so enjoyable to drink!
The classic ‘Cheong Mil Prebiotic Makgeolli’ was the best! The Muscat flavor had less of the traditional makgeolli taste and felt more like a sour cocktail. The banana flavor, on the other hand, was closer to a candy-like banana taste.
5. Summary
Fermentation is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and this time, we focused on fermented drinks!
Doburoku, Amazake, and Makgeolli all have a similar milky-white appearance, making them easy to mix up.
Be sure to scan the barcode with the Payke app to identify them and shop with ease!