Japan Cellar's Product Review Policy

Review Policy Overview

At Japan Cellar, our mission is to provide fair, insightful, and trustworthy evaluations of Japanese alcoholic beverages—sake, shochu, and Japanese wine—while maintaining the highest standards of objectivity.

All products featured on Japan Cellar are reviewed and scored according to the following principles.

1. All Products Are Purchased Independently

Japan Cellar purchases all products for review at its own expense.

This policy ensures that our evaluations remain entirely impartial and uninfluenced by commercial relationships.

While we acknowledge that professional reviewers can remain fair even when samples are provided, we believe that long-term credibility can only be achieved through complete independence. By purchasing every bottle ourselves, we eliminate any perception of bias—maintaining full transparency and trust with our readers.

2. All Reviews Are Published Under the Reviewer's Name

Each Japan Cellar review is personally signed by the reviewer. This policy is based on two key principles:

(1) Responsibility and Integrity

Japan Cellar aims to become a trusted global reference for Japanese beverages. Therefore, each reviewer must stand behind their evaluations with professional accountability.

(2) Individual Expression and Diversity of Taste

Taste is ultimately personal. By revealing each reviewer's identity, readers can understand the perspective behind the score, discover different palates, and identify reviewers whose preferences align with their own. This transparency helps readers make better-informed choices when selecting beverages.

3. Each Product Is Reviewed by Three or More Experts

Every product featured on Japan Cellar is evaluated by at least three reviewers.

Sensory evaluation inherently involves subjectivity; multiple expert opinions reduce individual bias and provide a more balanced, reliable perspective.

Through this approach, we ensure that our published scores reflect a collective and multidimensional assessment rather than a single viewpoint.

4. Only Products Scoring 85 Points or Higher Are Published

Only beverages achieving an average score above 85 points across reviewers are featured on Japan Cellar. Our scoring guide is as follows:

85-89

Everyday enjoyment elevated

Beverages that enhance everyday dining with balance, comfort, and satisfaction.

90-94

Exceptional quality for special occasions

Refined, memorable bottles suited for celebrations or elegant gatherings.

95-100

Truly outstanding—an unforgettable experience

Extraordinary bottles that elevate life's most meaningful moments and leave a lasting impression.

An 85+ score represents a beverage that Japan Cellar's reviewers can recommend with confidence.

We do not publish every review conducted—only those meeting our strict criteria are introduced to readers. This selective approach allows us to maintain the reliability of our recommendations and support readers in discovering only high-quality, authentic products.

Our Commitment to Readers

Integrity Over Efficiency

We understand that there may be faster or more efficient ways to operate. However, Japan Cellar's priority is to provide information that genuinely benefits readers, rather than to maximize volume or speed.

By refusing to compromise on integrity, we aim to remain a trusted and enduring voice in the global appreciation of Japanese beverages.

From Our Team of Reviewers

Our team of reviewers sincerely hopes that our honest and dedicated evaluations help you discover remarkable bottles and enrich your personal enjoyment of Japan's unique drinking culture.