What does the term "nigori" refer to in sake?

The term "nigori" specifically refers to cloudy sake that is coarsely filtered, resulting in a beverage that retains some of the rice solids and yeast, giving it a characteristic milky appearance. This style of sake is often sweeter and has a fuller body compared to clear sake, as the coarser filtration allows some of the flavors and textures from the rice to remain in the final product.

Clear sake, which is not nigori, goes through a finer filtration process, removing most of the rice particles and yeast, leading to a transparent drink. Carbonated sake is a different category that specifically involves the presence of bubbles, while strongly aromatic sake refers to those with pronounced fragrance, which can come from various methods of production or specific rice strains. Thus, nigori stands out for its cloudiness and the distinctive taste and texture it provides.