World Sake

Sake is no longer brewed only in Japan.

It is now being produced in the United States, Australia, France, and many other countries around the world. What exactly is “World Sake,” and what role does it play?

What is World Sake?

Definition

A general term for sake brewed outside of Japan.

Characteristics

• Brewed outside Japan
• Uses rice, koji, and water
• Follows Japanese sake brewing methods

Some breweries are established by Japanese sake makers overseas, while others are started by local brewers.

History

Sake brewing overseas has surprisingly deep roots.

1970s onward Brewing began in the United States for Japanese-American communities. Major manufacturers also established local factories.

2000s onward The craft sake movement emerged, with an increase in small-scale breweries.

2010s onward New breweries appeared around the world, with significant quality improvements.

Why Brew Overseas?

Reduced Transportation Costs Importing from Japan adds shipping costs that raise prices. Local production allows for more affordable pricing.

Freshness Assurance Fresh sake like nama-zake can be delivered in optimal condition.

Integration with Local Food Culture Brewing sake that pairs with local ingredients and cuisine.

Spreading Sake Culture Local production deepens understanding of sake.

Major Producing Countries

United States

The largest producer of World Sake.

History Major manufacturers entered the market in the 1970s. Recently, the craft sake boom has led to an increase in small breweries.

Main Regions

• California (most prolific)
• Oregon
• Colorado
• New York

Characteristics

• Influenced by craft beer culture
• Experimental styles
• Pairing with local ingredients

Notable Breweries

• Gekkeikan USA (major, California)
• SakeOne (Oregon)
• Brooklyn Kura (New York)
• Den Sake Brewery (California)

Australia

A sake-producing country in the Southern Hemisphere.

History Brewing began in the 1990s, with remarkable quality improvements.

Main Regions

• Victoria
• New South Wales

Characteristics

• High-quality water
• Use of Australian-grown rice
• Focus on pairing with Asian cuisine

Notable Breweries

• Sun Masamune (Victoria)
• Go-Shu (New South Wales)

France

Sake brewing in a wine powerhouse.

History Full-scale brewing began in the 2010s, exploring fusion with wine culture.

Characteristics

• Applying winemaking expertise
• Pairing with French cuisine
• Emphasis on terroir

Notable Breweries

• Wakaze (near Paris)
• Les Larmes du Levant (Alsace region)

Spain

An emerging European producer.

Characteristics

• Fusion with Mediterranean food culture
• Pairing with Spanish cuisine
• Growing market

United Kingdom

Breweries have emerged in recent years.

Characteristics

• Centered in London
• Connection with pub culture
• Experimental approaches

Norway

Sake brewing in the Nordic region.

Characteristics

• Pure Nordic water
• Pairing with seafood
• Unique styles

Characteristics of World Sake

Ingredients

Rice Often uses locally grown rice.

• USA: California-grown Koshihikari, Calrose, etc.
• Australia: Australian-grown rice
• Europe: Italian rice, Spanish rice, etc.

Some breweries import sake rice like Yamada Nishiki from Japan.

Water Local water is used. Water quality significantly affects sake character.

Hard water regions tend toward dry sake, while soft water regions produce smoother sake.

Koji Koji mold is often imported from Japan. Local cultivation is also practiced.

Yeast Many breweries use Japanese Kyokai yeasts. Some develop their own yeast strains.

Production Methods

Traditional Methods Breweries that faithfully replicate Japanese techniques.

Unique Approaches Breweries incorporating local brewing expertise (wine, beer).

Experimental Styles New approaches including barrel aging, fruit additions, and hop infusions.

Flavor Profile

World Sake often tastes different from Japanese sake.

Terroir Differences Differences in water and rice are reflected in the sake’s character.

Food Culture Influence Sometimes designed to pair with local cuisine.

Brewer’s Individuality Unique styles from brewers with wine or beer backgrounds.

Comparison with Japanese Sake

Quality Gap

World Sake was once considered “inferior to Japanese sake.”

Current Situation Technical improvements have led to high-quality World Sake. Some brands compete with Japanese sake at international competitions.

However It remains difficult to completely replicate the Japanese brewing environment—sake rice like Yamada Nishiki, renowned water sources, and toji craftsmanship.

Style Differences

Japanese Sake

• Traditional styles
• Regional character
• Long history and culture

World Sake

• Experimental styles
• Designed for local food culture
• New approaches

It’s not about which is better, but rather different appeals.

Price

Japanese Sake (Imports) Transportation costs and tariffs can make local prices 2-3 times higher than in Japan.

World Sake Without shipping costs, it can be offered at more affordable prices.

For local consumers, World Sake offers excellent value for money.

The “Nihonshu” Definition Issue

GI (Geographical Indication) “Nihonshu”

In 2015, “Nihonshu” was registered as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Meaning The term “Nihonshu” can only be used for sake brewed in Japan using Japanese-grown rice.

World Sake Terminology Overseas-produced sake cannot be called “Nihonshu.” Terms like “SAKE,” “Junmai,” and “Seishu-style” are used instead.

Consumer Confusion

Issue It’s difficult for consumers to distinguish whether “SAKE” is Japanese or overseas-produced.

Response Clearer origin labeling, use of “Made in Japan” and “Japanese Sake” designations.

Industry Perspectives

Japanese Industry Wants to protect the value of Japanese-made sake through GI. Quality differentiation.

Overseas Breweries Some frustration at not being able to use “Nihonshu.” However, there’s also movement to establish World Sake as its own distinct category.

Evaluation of World Sake

International Competition Results

World Sake is also entered in international competitions.

IWC A World Sake category has been established, with judging separate from Japanese sake.

Results More World Sake is receiving high evaluations—proof of quality improvement.

Critics’ Evaluations

Positive Views

• Contributes to overall sake category awareness
• Creates diversity
• Fusion with local food culture

Skeptical Views

• Different from traditional Japanese sake
• Quality variation
• “Not authentic sake”

Consumer Response

Local Consumers

• Can enjoy sake at affordable prices
• Affinity for locally produced products
• Ideal as an introduction to sake

Sake Enthusiasts

• Interesting experimental styles
• Comparison with Japanese sake
• New discoveries

Japanese Breweries Expanding Overseas

Local Production Initiatives

Japanese breweries are also establishing brewing facilities overseas.

Benefits

• Direct access to local markets
• Reduced transportation costs
• Freshness assurance

Examples

• Asahi Shuzo (Dassai) New York expansion plans
• Major manufacturers’ local factories

Technical Guidance and Partnerships

Japanese breweries also provide technical guidance to overseas breweries.

Forms

• Dispatching toji (master brewers)
• Technical partnerships
• Consulting

Japanese expertise is spreading worldwide.

The Future of World Sake

Growth Potential

World Sake is expected to continue growing.

Background

• Rising interest in sake
• Benefits of local production
• Entry of new brewers

Independent Development

World Sake may develop as its own category, not just a copy of Japanese sake.

Wine Parallel Wine produced outside France (New World wine) has established its own position. Sake may follow a similar path.

Coexistence with Japanese Sake

The growth of World Sake is an opportunity, not a threat, for Japanese sake.

Market Expansion World Sake serves as an introduction, increasing interest in Japanese sake.

Diversity Japanese sake and World Sake each bring their own appeal, enriching the market.

Mutual Stimulation Competition and exchange lead to quality improvements.

Enjoying World Sake

How to Purchase

Local Liquor Stores If living overseas, purchase from local liquor stores.

Ordering from Japan Some World Sake is available for purchase in Japan.

Direct from Breweries Purchase from overseas brewery online shops.

Recommended Comparisons

Comparison with Japanese Sake Compare Japanese and World Sake of the same style (junmai ginjo, etc.).

Terroir Differences Compare Japanese and overseas sake made with the same rice variety.

New Discoveries

World Sake offers new possibilities for sake.

Experimental styles and combinations with local ingredients expand the concept of what sake can be.

Summary

Key points about World Sake:

What is World Sake?

• Japanese-style sake brewed overseas
• Produced in the USA, Australia, France, and more
• Remarkable quality improvements

Characteristics

• Uses local ingredients
• Unique styles
• Fusion with local food culture

Relationship with Japanese Sake

• Complementary, not competitive
• Contributes to overall sake category growth
• Coexists with GI “Nihonshu”

World Sake is proof that sake has become a global beverage. It deserves attention as a force spreading sake culture worldwide alongside Japanese sake.

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For more on sake’s international popularity, see Sake’s Global Popularity.

Learn about craft sake in What is Craft Sake?.