Welcome to Issue #70 of SIN.
This issue is another mixed bag of ups and downs. This pattern of a series of hits and wins for brewers followed by a regular pulling out of the rug from beneath its feet seems to be the destiny for the sake industry; But perhaps this is part of the appeal of sake. We wish for the sake industry to succeed, but on the other hand if brewers and owners were a bunch of cigar-chomping, Ferrari-driving sake barons making cameos in hip-hop music videos it wouldn't hold the same kind of attraction for those of us that are looking to see integrity and excellence rewarded.
Everyone loves an underdog story, and the sake industry has plenty of them. It's just one battle after another, but it's only a matter of time before sake solidifies its place as a recognized world-class beverage on the world stage where we all know it belongs.
And now for the news...
WTF Is Going On With Sake And NFTs
United Kingdom- Following on from our reports of Ono Shuzōten and Asahi Shuzō getting in on the NFT game, another brewery is now stepping into the ring. A bottle of vintage sake produced by Dojima Sake Brewery has been sold for a record-breaking JPY8.8million (USD66k). Kakehashi (Cambridge) was listed in the Rolls-Royce & Bentley Enthusiast Club yearbook and promptly sold for the eye-watering sum.
The brewery produces Kakehashi in limited numbers and ages it in the cellar of Fordham Abbey for three to five years before release. The sake is only available to a select number of restaurants and members of the Dojima Members’ Club. A three-year membership is available to those who purchase a bottle of Cambridge Sake (valued at JPY162k/USD1262).
A specific point of interest behind the sale of this particular vintage of Kakehashi is the use of NFT block chain technology that offers proof of authenticity and ownership as a unique product. There are hopes the sale will not only serve as a spark for future luxury brand sales, but also start a conversation regarding the enhancement of the value of Japanese traditions through NFT technology.
Dojima Sake Brewery has its roots with Kotobuki Shuzō in Osaka. Sixth generation, Yoshihide Hashimoto set up the new brewery in 2018 and has been working toward producing a luxury brand of sake in the historic grounds of Fordham Abbey in Cambridge.
Source - PR Times
JG: My first reaction was to shake my head in disbelief. But then, I grasped the idea of looking at it as a conversation starter regarding the value of our favorite Japanese tradition, sake. And that can only help our cause, and sake overall. While I will not likely be buying one soon, I am glad that there are people that will!
堂島酒造所 , 寿酒造 , 懸橋 （Cambridge)
Tatenokawa To Begin Whiskey Production
Yamagata- Tatenokawa Shuzō has announced plans to expand into whiskey production as it completes construction of its new distillery, Gakkōgawa Jōryūsho. Operations are set to begin in 2023 with shipments slated for 2027.
According to the Sendai Tax Agency, there are already three distilleries across the six prefectures that make up the Tohoku region. Dreamlink, a restaurant chain in Akita Prefecture, recently announced its entry into whiskey production making Tatenokawa Shuzō's venture the fifth for the region.
Tatenokawa is known for its production of junmai daiginjō exclusively, and now the brewery plans on transferring its decadent approach to sake brewing to whiskey distillation.
As of 2021, whiskey accounted for around 40 percent of Japan's liquor exports in value. Most whiskey products fall into the high price range category, and the brewery predicts demand for domestically produced whiskey will increase as interest increases from overseas markets and from foreign visitors to Japan which will also drive interest domestically.
Four kurabito from the sake brewery will move to the new distillery, which will offer tours and tastings for visitors and tastings once it is up and running.
Source - PR Times
JG: I admit I am a little bit surprised that a kura that focuses on “extreme” sake would expand into something so different. But let’s give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that their skill and commitment toward making such special sake will carry over to their whiskey.
楯の川酒造 , 月光川蒸溜所
Budget Blowouts Can't Stop Dassai
Yamaguchi- Asahi Shuzō (maker of Dassai) is projecting record sales exceeding JPY15billion (USD112mil), with more than half coming from overseas sales. The brewery is expecting overseas sales to climb as high as 90 percent in the future.
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