Sake is unique in its production process, which shares similarities with both beer and wine but is distinct from them. Unlike wine, which is made through the fermentation of the natural sugars in fruit, sake is brewed more like beer, where starches (in this case, from polished rice) are first converted into sugars before fermentation. However, sake's brewing process and ingredient choice lead to a flavor profile that can sometimes resemble wine, with its nuanced and varied flavors. It has an alcohol content typically between 15% and 20%, falling between the typical ranges for beer and wine, and presenting a unique spectrum of flavors from sweet to dry, fruity to floral.