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Sake meter value (SMV)

Sake meter value (SMV) (日本酒度) is a rough sweet/dry guide: positive is drier, negative sweeter. Best read together with acidity.

Japanese: 日本酒度（にほんしゅど）
Group: Taste & numbers

From “Types of sake”

Read “Types of sake”

Related terms

Amakuchi / karakuchi (sweet / dry)Sweet or dry on the palate. Sake meter value and acidity are a guide, but aroma and temperature change the impression too.
AcidityHow much acid the sake has. Higher feels bolder and crisper, lower softer.

Updated 30 September 2026Back to the glossary All guides